BEDFORD – The Detroit automakers and the United Auto Workers continued negotiations Saturday, company representatives said, a day after the union expanded strikes. The UAW has been on strike since September 14, 2023.
UAW members walked off the job at GM and Stellantis parts distribution centers Friday but spared Ford, saying the company had done more to meet its demands.
Stellantis workers walked out at 38 company distribution centers in 20 states on Friday, with a clear target to cause distress to dealers who sell and service GM and Stellantis vehicles. Selling and installing parts is one of the most profitable parts of the auto business, but it is also one of the most vulnerable because the industry relies on just-in-time shipments. This could quickly drag consumers into the middle of the fight if dealers run short of parts.
President Joe Biden said on X, formerly Twitter, that he will visit Michigan on Tuesday “to join the picket line and stand in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create.”
Ford avoided additional strikes because the company has met some of the union’s demands during negotiations over the past week, UAW President Shawn Fain said during an online presentation to union members.
“We’ve made some real progress at Ford,” Fain said. “We still have serious issues to work through, but we do want to recognize that Ford is showing that they are serious about reaching a deal. At GM and Stellantis, it’s a different story.”
Fain said GM and Stellantis, the successor to Fiat Chrysler, have rejected the union’s proposals for cost-of-living increases, profit sharing, and job security, and “are going to need some serious pushing.”
GM said it has presented five “historic” offers covering wages and job security.
“Friday’s strike escalation by the UAW’s top leadership is unnecessary,” the company said in a statement. “The UAW leadership is manipulating the bargaining process for their own personal agendas.”
