CompaniesFord Motor CoFollowGeneral Motors CoFollowAptiv PLCFollowShow more companiesSept 22 (Reuters) – The United Auto Workers (UAW) union on Friday expanded its coordinated U.S. strike against General Motors Co (GM.N) and Stellantis (STLAM.MI), but said it had made real progress in talks with Ford Motor (F.N).The ongoing strike is the first-ever simultaneous labor action against General Motors (GM.N), Ford Motor (F.N) and Chrysler parent Stellantis (STLAM.MI) after the UAW’s contracts expired more than a week ago.The automakers, like their global counterparts, have been focused on cost reductions, which in some cases include job cuts, to help accelerate a shift to electric vehicles (EVs) from gasoline-powered vehicles.WHO IS THE UNION NEGOTIATING WITH?The UAW, which represents 46,000 GM workers, 57,000 Ford employees and 43,000 Stellantis workers, kicked off negotiations with the companies in July.The union historically has picked one of the Detroit Three to negotiate with first as the so-called target that sets the pattern on which subsequent deals are based. This time, UAW President Shawn Fain targeted all three companies simultaneously.Contract talks between the UAW and the Detroit automakers in past years had gone on until the strike deadline and beyond. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found significant support by Americans for the striking auto workers.HOW WIDESPREAD IS THE STRIKE?The initial walkout of 12,700 workers was smaller than some analysts expected, with only three assembly plants in Michigan, Ohio and Missouri targeted. Those plants build the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Colorado, along with other popular models.The second round of strikes will expand to 38 locations across 20 states in all nine regions of the UAW, focusing on parts distribution centers.WHAT DOES THE UAW HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE OFFERS?The union previously rejected the companies’ offers. It has demanded a 40% wage hike, including a 20% immediate increase, and improvements in benefits.”If they’ve got money for Wall Street, they sure as hell have money for the workers making the product,” UAW President Shawn Fain has said.Fain said on Friday “Stellantis and GM in particular are going to need some serious pushing.” He added they have more work to do at Ford, but “we do want to recognize that Ford is showing they’re serious about reaching a deal.”WHAT ARE THE CURRENT OFFERS FROM THE DETROIT THREE?The three automakers currently have proposed 20% raises over four-and-a-half years. In an opinion piece published in the Detroit Free Press, GM President Mark Reuss called the UAW’s demands for a 40% pay hike “untenable,” signaling the two sides remain far apart over the key issue.On Friday, Fain said Ford has improved its offer, which includes right to strike over plant closures, additional job security in the event of layoffs and enhanced profit sharing formula.WHAT IS AT STAKE?The industrial action hit the Detroit Three automakers as they ramp up efforts to maximize…
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