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UAW President Shawn Fain addresses union members during a Solidarity Sunday rally in Warren, Michigan, Aug. 20, 2023
Michael Wayland / CNBC
DETROIT – The United Auto Workers and Detroit automakers remain far apart ahead of the union “likely” strategically striking the companies after an 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday deadline, UAW President Shawn Fain said Wednesday night.
The outspoken union leader laid out significant details of current proposals between the UAW and General Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis regarding ware increase, cost-of-living adjustments, bonuses, job security and other new demands from the companies.
Fain also laid out general plans about how the union expects to strategically strike the Detroit automakers, if needed. He said the strike will start at a limited number of locations, followed by others if needed.
“If the companies continue to bargain in bad faith … then our strikes are going to continue to grow … We’re going to hit where we need to hit,” Fain said Wednesday during a Facebook Live event.
Fain also said, “an all-out strike is still a possibility.” He also said if there are strikes, the union will not negotiate Friday, instead they will hold a 4 p.m. rally with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the progressive lawmaker from Vermont, in Detroit.
Key demands from the union have included 40% hourly pay increases, a reduced 32-hour work week, a shift back to traditional pensions, the elimination of compensation tiers and a restoration of cost-of-living adjustments, among other items on the table.
The companies did not immediately respond for comment on Fain’s remarks.
Here’s where things stand on key issues.
Wages
Fain said Ford has offered a 20% increase over the four years of the deal, followed by GM at 18% and Stellantis at 17.5%
Tiers
Ending tiers, or in-progression pay, where members are paid differently based on seniority, has been a top priority of the union for years.
Fain said each of the automakers has proposed cutting an eight-year grow-in period to top wages that are currently at more than $32 an hour to four years.
COLA
Fain has demanded a return to cost of living adjustments, or COLA, which increase wages to keep pace with inflation.
Ford has proposed a return to a COLA formula used in the past, which Fain said would provide estimated wage protection of less than $1 over the term of the contract; proposals from GM and Stellantis would provide no protection, he said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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