A strike against the big three American automakers is coming to an end, as UAW Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis reached a deal. Thousands of members of the United Auto Workers went on strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, the three biggest car manufacturers in the U.S. for over a month. They were fighting for increased wages, retirement and pension benefits that were eliminated after the 2008 financial crisis, and protections from job loss as a result of increased EV production. The strike made headlines in September when President Biden briefly joined the picket line.
President Biden was set to deliver a speech on AI regulation, but paused to praise the deal. He explained that he was late for the speech because he was getting updated by UAW Presideny Shawn Fain. “These agreements,” Biden said, “ensure the iconic big three can still lead the world in quality and innovation. Due to the commitment and solidarity of the UAW workers, willing to exercise their right to collectively bargain, they've won a record contract with over a 30 percent increase in wages, greater retirement security, and more paid leave. And the commitment by the big three to create more full-time, middle-class jobs and invest tens of billions more dollars in plants and factories building automobiles' future here in America.” Biden praised “the UAW and the leaders of the automobile companies” for allowing workers to return to their jobs even before the agreement is fully signed.
