If trickle-down economics wasn't a myth, the UAW wouldn't have to strike, but workers have to fight tooth and nail to get their equitable share.
In the last two decades, autoworkers on the production line have seen a decrease of over 20% in wages when adjusted for inflation. In 2007, new workers earned $19.60 an hour, which is equal to $28.96 an hour in today's dollars. Today, they start at $18.04 an hour.
CEO pay at the Big Three companies has increased by 40% from 2013 to 2022, ranging from $21 to $29 million.
Production line workers have only seen a 6% increase over that period, with an average salary of $58,240.
Striking auto workers want a 40% pay increase over several years — the same rate their CEOs’ pay grew in recent years. It's more than reasonable.
The number of middle-class households is decreasing, and if productivity gains were shared equally with workers, the vast majority of the American working class would earn an extra $1,144 every month, or a large portion of the average monthly mortgage payment for a Michigan worker.
Raising wages would be a significant boost to the economy. Autoworkers aren't asking to be millionaires. They're asking to be able to afford the cars they build.
The middle class has been dwindling since the 1980s, partly due to the decline of union strikes.
While it is essential to negotiate all union demands, supporting increased wages is crucial. We all hope that the UAW strike will be settled soon, providing a win/win situation for workers, their companies, and the American consumer.
