There's more to be won, the head of the United Auto Workers told the striking employees.
All three manufacturers have now offered record contracts. Still, United Auto Workers union president Shawn Fain informed members that the union will prolong its strike to secure even better terms.
On Friday afternoon, he informed members on a Facebook Live negotiating update, "We've looked at the corporations' offerings. "In my opinion, the vice presidents' opinions and the opinions of your national negotiators, there is more to be won."
Only the second time in the strike's five weeks that Fain has not declared an extension of the action, the union has not broadened its scope. But he emphasized that the strike would continue if the union did not receive enough for its members.
He described the bids from General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis as "already record contracts." But they arrive after decades of unprecedented deterioration. Being the finest ever is, therefore, insufficient.
.jpg)
GM disclosed the specifics of its most recent offer to the UAW earlier on Friday. It includes an immediate 10% wage boost and 13 subsequent percentage point pay increases throughout a contract that would last until the beginning of 2028. That amount of money exceeds what GM had first proposed.
GM also restored the cost-of-living adjustment to salaries to shield members from price increases. According to the business, when combined with the guaranteed pay increases, this move will likely result in a 30% compensation increase over the contract.
Additionally, GM said it would increase corporate contributions to 401(k) retirement plans for employees who joined after 2007. Still, it needed to grant those employees access to the regular pension plan provided to more senior employees at the corporation. During negotiations, one of the union's main objectives was restoring those pension programs to employees employed after 2007.
GM chose not to respond to Fain's comments. When pressed for a remark, Stellantis avoided addressing them specifically.
"Negotiations between Stellantis and the UAW continue to be productive, building on the momentum from the past several weeks," the company's statement said. We have made strides toward closing the disparities on important subjects.
In a statement, Ford said: "We are aware that the protracted strike is hurting our UAW employees due to missing salaries and profit sharing. We're ready to wrap up these talks with a deal that significantly enhances their lives and ensures a bright future for all parties. We are eager to work together to create a fantastic business that will sustain decent jobs for future generations.