Just when you thought the auto industry couldn't get more exciting, the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Stellantis give us a show worth a bucket of popcorn and a front-row seat.
UAW President Shawn Fain's taking on Stellantis and the Big Three in Detroit. Here’s the tea:
"This Proposal Belongs in the Trash!" – Shawn Fain's Hollywood Moment
If you ever wanted to see a real-life corporate drama flick, you should've caught Fain's Facebook live stream.
Picture this: UAW president Shawn Fain against a dramatic backdrop. A Stellantis contract proposal in hand. A foreboding trash can nearby. Tossing Stellantis' proposal into the garbage with flair, he accused the automaker of backtracking on commitments.
Here's a glimpse:
⏲️ New Classification: Adding flexible schedule employees.
💵 Wage Ties: Tying increases and benefits to absenteeism.
🩺 Health-Care Contributions: Requiring more from employees.
⚡️ Move to Electrification: No worker ratification!
🤧 Absenteeism: High rates caused production loss.
And, the icing on the cake? Changes to retirement plans and attendance rewards. Union members say this wasn't just a slap in the face but a full-on punch!
Not shy to speak up, the union fired back with:
💰 Wage Equality: No more tiers for full-timers.
📈 Profit Sharing: For supplemental workers too.
🧓 Health and Retirement: Coverage all around.
🗓️ Work Week: 32 hours, paying for 40.
🏔️ Wage Hike: A 46% increase over four years.
Yes, it's costly, potentially doubling labor value, but Fain's stance? Stellantis can handle it.
Stellantis' spokeswoman, Jodi Tinson, claimed they weren't seeking concessions, promising to work with UAW for a globally competitive contract. But was it enough to douse the fire? Spoiler: Not even close!
CEO Carlos Tavares took home $24.8 million in 2022 – 365 times more than the average employee's compensation. Add his emphasis on electric vehicles; you've got a recipe for union unrest.
With contracts expiring on Sept. 14, the countdown has begun. Fain's message? "Quit with the games." The strike fund's ready, the union's geared up, and the stakes? Sky-high!
But wait, the action's not limited to Stellantis. UAW President Fain's on a roll, engaging with lawmakers and even chatting with President Biden.
His mission? New labor agreements with the Detroit Big Three: General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.
So, what's going to happen? A resolution? A strike? A twist we never saw coming? Who knows! Hang onto your popcorn, and stay tuned – we’ll keep you updated.