UAW President Shawn Fain Takes Different Approach in Contract Talks with Automakers
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain has promised a new approach in this year’s contract negotiations with Detroit automakers, and he has delivered so far. Fain has garnered national attention for the UAW through strategic tactics, effective social media messaging, and a belief that organized labor can triumph over corporate greed. Fain aims to ride the wave of support for unions to win a battle against General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis.
During a Facebook Live event, Fain emphasized the significance of this moment for the union and working people. He stated that a different and confrontational approach will be taken throughout the negotiations. The bargaining process, expected to be critical and unprecedented, will address concerns about job losses and declining wages due to the industry’s shift towards electric vehicles.
These negotiations will also coincide with talks between the UAW and Canadian union Unifor, creating additional complexity and competition. In a departure from tradition, the customary handshake between both sides will be replaced with a “members’ handshake” between UAW leaders and plant workers. The negotiations will begin privately, with meetings between the union and company officials in the coming week.
Fain acknowledged the break from tradition and stated that he will not shake hands with any CEOs until the union’s concerns are addressed and the broken status quo with the Big Three automakers is rectified. Disagreements between the UAW and automakers have already emerged in recent weeks through public statements.
Fain’s approach signifies a shift in the UAW culture from a defensive to an offensive mindset. He has emphasized the need to organize elected officials rather than be organized by them. Notably, the UAW decided to withhold its endorsement of President Joe Biden until concerns about the industry’s transition to electric vehicles are addressed.
Analysts anticipate tough negotiations, and there is a possibility of a strike when the current UAW Master Agreement expires in mid-September. Such a work stoppage could cost the companies hundreds of millions of dollars per week in earnings. Negotiations will begin with Stellantis, followed by Ford and GM.
The primary issues at stake in these negotiations include increased wages, reinstating cost-of-living adjustments, retaining a platinum health-care package, and ending the tiered pay system. Additionally, the union is focused on ensuring a just transition for workers as the industry moves towards electric vehicles.
These negotiations are crucial for the UAW and the future of organized labor in the auto industry. The strategies and outcomes will likely have far-reaching implications for both the union and the Detroit automakers.