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John,
Every industry is defined by the people who fuel its engine and in the heart of America's automobile industry, it's the auto workers who work tirelessly to design, assemble, and innovate. But the gap between workers' compensation, and the soaring profits of the corporations they work for, is growing larger by the week.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) have had enough of being pushed to the edge so with their contract with the "Big Three" profiteers -- General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis -- expiring today, their call for a strike is no longer a threat.
Auto workers are now officially on strike.
The Big Three auto giants made an astounding $20 billion in profits in just the first six months of this year. Yet, bafflingly, these staggering figures have not translated into better wages or benefits for workers, instead, their CEO salaries have swelled by 40% since 2019.
The blatant disparities are an indictment of corporate greed that widens the rift between management and the workforce and reveals the morally bankrupt values of these companies.
Watch More Perfect Union's report, where real UAW workers discuss their needs and aspirations. Then, send a message to the CEOs of Ford, Stellantis, and GM telling them to wake up to the real struggles of their workforce, address the glaring disparities, and commit to genuine negotiations that prioritize worker rights and dignity.
The key demands of the UAW are clear and, in many ways, foundational to fair labor across the board:
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Abolishing the Two-Tier Wage System: A system that, quite blatantly, discriminates against newer employees should have no place in modern workplaces.
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Wage Increase: With booming profits and ballooning executive salaries, it's only fair that workers get their rightful share.
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Restoring COLA: The Cost of Living Adjustments ensure workers aren't financially paralyzed by the rising costs in their communities.
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Guaranteed Benefits: This includes a defined pension for every worker and the re-establishment of retiree medical benefits, which are vital in providing a safety net.
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Strike Rights and More: The right to strike against plant closures, the launch of a Working Family Protection Program, the end to the misuse of temporary workers, more paid time off, and a substantial rise in retiree pay are all crucial for worker well-being and dignity.
The UAW has a storied history of fighting for the rights and benefits of workers in the auto industry and these key demands are grounded in their commitment to ensure just and equitable treatment for all workers.
History is full of instances where collective action has heralded change. This could be another of those moments, but only if we, as consumers and advocates, take a stand.
So, let's flood the inboxes of the CEOs of Ford, Stellantis, and GM. If they think they can silence or ignore the backbone of their companies, they're in for a rude awakening.
Let’s keep making sure they know we’re watching, and we won't be appeased with anything less than justice for the workers.
- Amanda
Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund
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