Automakers Resume Talks with Striking Workers
General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis resumed negotiations on Saturday with striking workers, who are demanding a share of the companies’ substantial profits from recent years to be distributed among the employees.
This move came a day after nearly 13,000 workers began an unprecedented protest, calling for a new collective agreement, wage improvements, and better working conditions.
United Auto Workers reported having “reasonably productive” talks with Ford, as per NBC. However, details regarding discussions with General Motors and Stellantis were not disclosed.
General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis Reengage with Striking Employees
Shawn Fain, president of the UAW, mentioned in a statement that a Stellantis executive proposed reopening the Belvidere Assembly plant in Illinois, but the idea was shot down.
“That’s how they see these workers, (as) a bargaining chip,” Fain lamented. “Belvidere Assembly was a profitable platform that just a few years ago supported about 5,000 workers and their families. Now that number is zero, and Stellantis wants to keep playing. Their attitude is: Stellantis gives and Stellantis takes. Our stance is: Save Belvidere!”, exclaimed Fain.
Before reengaging in talks with the strikers, General Motors had announced laying off 2,000 workers at a plant in Kansas, claiming they couldn’t guarantee supplemental unemployment benefits due to the union contract’s expiration.
Similarly, Ford also announced the layoff of 600 workers in Michigan, attributing the decision to the work shortage caused by the strike.
For Fain, these actions represent an attempt to make workers “settle for less.” “Let’s be clear: if the Big Three decide to lay off non-striking people, they’re trying to pressure our members to settle for less. With their record profits, they don’t have to lay off a single employee,” he stated.
Fain also believes that the companies could continue to rake in billions in profits even if they doubled every worker’s salary and maintained the current vehicle selling prices.
With information from NBC
