Forward of potential UAW strike, Biden requires cooperation in union negotiations

In a press release, Biden, a longtime labor supporter, emphasised the necessity for auto firms to transition to a clean-energy business whereas sustaining a excessive normal of remedy for employees. He mentioned he expects each the UAW and the businesses to collaborate on a brand new contract that protects wages and advantages whereas holding the firms aggressive. 

“Because the Massive Three auto firms and the United Auto Staff come collectively — one month earlier than the expiration of their contract — to barter a brand new settlement, I wish to be clear about the place I stand,” Biden mentioned. “I’m asking all sides to work collectively to forge a good settlement.”

Jodi Tinson, a spokesperson for Stellantis, mentioned that the corporate is concentrated on reaching a brand new settlement for its 43,000 staff. 

“The discussions between [Stellantis] and the UAW’s bargaining group proceed to be constructive and collaborative with a deal with reaching a brand new settlement that balances the issues of our staff with our imaginative and prescient for the long run – one which higher positions the enterprise to fulfill the challenges of the U.S. market and secures the long run for all of our staff, their households and our firm,” Stinson mentioned.

Within the first six months of 2023, Ford, GM and Stellantis introduced in roughly $21B in earnings, a metric that UAW President Shawn Fain mentioned in an Aug. 2 Fb livestream justifies a hike in contract advantages for employees. 

“Document earnings imply report contracts,” Fain mentioned.

UAW member calls for for the bargaining embody eliminating employee tiers, double-digit pay raises, restoring value of residing changes and making will increase to advantages like pensions, retiree medical advantages and paid break day. 

Whereas the auto firms haven’t made public statements about any concessions or calls for of their very own, they’ve nonetheless indicated a constructive relationship with UAW and a need to barter. 

Ford Motor Co. spokesperson Kelli Felker mentioned in an e-mail to the Michigan Advance that the corporate is happy with its UAW historical past and is raring to barter new contracts.

“Ford is proud to construct extra automobiles in America and make use of extra UAW-represented hourly employees in America than some other automaker,” Felker mentioned. “We look ahead to working with the UAW on inventive options throughout this time when our dramatically altering business wants a talented and aggressive workforce greater than ever.”

Every of the Massive Three firms are main the cost amongst different Michigan-based firms to advertise electrical automobile (EV) manufacturing, a trigger Biden has made a precedence of his administration’s local weather platform. In his assertion, he mentioned that the position of unions in constructing the center class shouldn’t be understated within the new transfer in direction of EVs. 

“The necessity to transition to a clear vitality financial system ought to present a win‑win alternative for auto firms and unionized employees,” Biden mentioned. “It ought to allow employees to make good wages and advantages to assist their households, whereas main us right into a future the place America is main the best way in decreasing automobile emissions and producing autos that may efficiently compete domestically and globally.”

In a press release launched in response to Biden’s remarks, Fain mentioned that UAW is grateful for Biden’s assist within the burgeoning EV business.