WAYNE: US auto workers went on protest Friday to press three automakers into increasing wages in an era of large profits and as the industry starts a costly transition from gas consumers to electric cars.
By striking concurrently at Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors for the first time in its history as the Auto Workers union is making efforts to increase their wages and secure certain benefits for workers.
It was a first-ever coordinated action to seek pay raises, winning strong support from US President Joe Biden, whose pro-union stand is vital to his re-election hopes in 2024.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said that the auto sector and its supporting industries add a trillion dollars to the economy annually and also employ about 10 million people in the US.
Reacting over the strike, US President Biden said he realized the “frustration” of the auto workers in the country.
After negotiations broke down, the UAW announced a targeted strike at a few Big 3 auto plants.
No one wants a strike, but I respect workers' right to collective action.
Workers deserve to share in the benefits they helped create for an enterprise. pic.twitter.com/zlnvnYVvao
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 15, 2023
Speaking on live television from the White House, the US President said auto workers had not been able to advantage of huge corporate profits, which exceeded more than $20 billion for the three firms in just the first half of the current year. He added that the record profits have not been shared in a fair way.
He added he was sending two representatives to Detroit to help with talks.
