UAW Expands Strike to 38 GM and Stellantis Facilities

The United Auto Workers (UAW) expanded the scope of its strike on Friday, with union workers walking out of 38 parts-distribution centers operated by General Motors and Stellantis.

Key Quotes: Citing “real progress” made during negotiations with Ford, UAW President Shawn Fain only expanded the strike at two of the “Big Three” automakers. “It’s a different story” with GM and Stellantis, Fain said, adding, “We will shut down parts distribution until those two companies come to their senses and come to the table with a serious offer.” A statement from GM called the strike expansion “unnecessary,” accusing the UAW leadership of “manipulating the bargaining process for their own personal agendas.”

For Context: UAW initiated the strike last week, demanding a roughly 40% pay increase, the reinstatement of cost-of-living-adjustments, the elimination of tiered wage systems, and additional job security provisions.

How the Media Covered It: The Associated Press (Lean Left bias) and Fox Business (Lean Right bias) both included quotes indicating striking workers would soon lose public support, while The Hill (Center bias) cited a poll showing public support has increased since the strike began last week. Outlets across the spectrum noted the strike’s political impacts, specifically regarding the 2024 presidential election. Fain called for Biden to join the picket line, which was covered across the spectrum as outlets also noted Biden’s struggle to balance support for union workers with his push for increased electric vehicle production, which has exacerbated tensions between auto industry executives and union workers.