DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Members of United Auto Workers and the “Big Three” Detroit Automakers are awaiting the results of the strike authorization of the UAW, the results of which were supposed to be revealed on Thursday, but were delayed a day.
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“Voting is scheduled to end by Aug. 24 and results are expected to be announced on Aug. 25,” in a recent UAW statement.
UAW President Shawn Fain has been joining in numerous practice pickets and advocating for big changes after the automakers recent profit increases.
“The big three made a combined $21 billion in profits in just the first 6 months of this year,” UAW President Shawn Fain said. “That’s on top of the $1/4 Trillion North American profits they made over the last decade, while Big Three Executives and Shareholders got rich, UAW members got left behind.”
Within the past few days, UAW President Fain has been encouraging local UAW posts across the state to vote in favor of a strike authorization.
“We are directing Big Three locals across the country to schedule a strike authorization vote as soon as possible,” Fain said on social media, “Our goal is to have votes cast and counted by Thursday August, 24th. It is critically important that everyone vote, and that everyone vote yes to authorize a strike should one need to be called.”
UAW represents more than 145,000 people working at Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis. The union is seeking several increases to employee benefits including: a more than a 40% increase in pay over the next four years, cost of living increases, pensions for new hires, and an end to the current wage tier system.
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The strike authorization vote is three weeks ahead of the deadline for contract resolution for auto employees and companies.
“September 14th is a deadline not a reference point,” Fain said on social media.
This week there has been an increase in “practice pickets” from the UAW.
“UAW President Shawn Fain will be joining practice pickets this week in Detroit, Mich., and Louisville, Ky,” the UAW said in a statement. “Practice pickets are not work stoppages; no entrances will be obstructed, and workers will report to their shifts as usual.”
While UAW is still tallying votes, they are encouraging union members to join the next pickets in Louisville, KY. on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25.
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