UAW leadership holds off on new strikes as Big Three talks continue
UAW leadership has elected to put new strikes on hold while negotiations concerning its contract with the Big Three automakers—Fiat Chrysler, General Motors, and Ford—continue. The UAW President, Rory Gamble, stated in a letter to UAW members that the parties have made progress on a number of economic and job security issues and that a full deal is within reach. The UAW and the automakers have been negotiating for months, and the previous contract expired in mid-September.
The UAW leadership had promised that they would call for new strikes if the Big Three failed to meet their demands. However, Gamble’s letter indicates that the UAW hopes to avoid the disruption caused by a strike and is hopeful that a deal can be reached without it. It also seeks to give members a say in decisions regarding their members’ livelihoods.
The Big Three and the UAW remain at odds on a variety of issues, including wages, healthcare, and job security for temporary workers. Both sides have indicated a desire to continue negotiations, and the UAW has said that it will keep their members informed of any developments.
In the meantime, the UAW leadership is continuing their efforts to rally members for a potential strike should negotiations ultimately fall through.