As the deadlock continues, UAW President Shawn Fain warns of an escalating strike against the Detroit 3, encompassing General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, unless significant progress is made in negotiations by Friday. Now, a potential dual strike threat facing Ford in the U.S. and Canada.
- UAW President Shawn Fain announced, "If we don't make serious progress by noon on Friday, Sept. 22, more locals will be called on to stand up and join the strike," indicating the potential for an expanded strike against the Detroit 3 if negotiations don't progress satisfactorily.
- Stellantis, in a statement, emphasized a constructive discussion with UAW, highlighting their aim "to find common ground to reach an agreement that provides a bridge to the future." They are especially focused on resolving issues around their Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, which has been inactive since February.
- Meanwhile, Ford is navigating the threat of simultaneous strikes in the U.S. and Canada. A potential strike in Canada could impact 5,600 workers and significantly disrupt U.S. operations, especially concerning the V-8 engines that power Ford's Super Duty pickups, F-150s, and Mustang
After Joe Biden weighed in on the strike last Friday, saying that the big three haven't appropriately shared profits with workers, former President Donald Trump is planning on taking a crack at it as well. Trump is planning on skipping the second Republican presidential debate to address union workers in Detroit on Sept. 27 to focus on the negative aspects of Biden’s EV policy.
- The speech to Detroit auto workers and blue-collar union members is part of Trump's intensified campaign to reclaim the support of working-class voters who sided with Biden in 2020.
- While Biden has long championed union support, some auto workers feel he hasn't sufficiently confronted manufacturers over large industry profits; Trump aims to capitalize on this discontent, asserting he'll stand with union members if re-elected president.
London based boot maker, Dr Martens plans to launch a shoe repair service in Britain to boost its sustainability efforts, encourage customers to prolong the lifespan of their footwear, and introduce an additional source of income.
- Dr Martens is teaming up with The Boot Repair Company in Leeds to provide repairs. A full repair, such as a sole replacement, is priced at 81 pounds ($100.50), compared to 169 pounds ($209.68) for new 1460 model boots.
- CEO Kenny Wilson highlights that while this might decrease new boot sales, it will foster customer loyalty in the long run. The British introduction acts as a trial for a potential broader European rollout.
- Dr Martens aims for the resale market to contribute up to 10% of its revenue and launched a resale service on Depop last year. Brands like Zara and H&M are similarly tapping into the resale trend, catering to eco-aware younger consumers.
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