The United Auto Workers and Detroit’s Big Three automakers bargained through the weekend…trying to reach a new deal before the union’s current contract expires in a few days.
Union leaders want a more than 40 percent pay hike for workers…and increased benefits…among other demands.
But UAW President Shawn Fain says the car companies are offering far lower wage increases…and not helping new workers or retirees.
Fain says union members don’t want to go on strike…but they do want a fair share of automakers record profits:
“We want a deal…We’re ready for a deal. But it’s gotta be a deal that honors our members sacrifices and contributions. We aren’t gonna lay down and take whatever scraps they give us. It’s long past time that we stand up.”
Car companies counter that the union’s demands are un-reasonable...at a time when automakers are transitioning to electric vehicle fleets.
Even a relatively short strike could cost automakers, and the US economy, billions of dollars.
