UAW Strikes at 'Big Three' Automakers

The United Auto Workers (UAW) went on strike Friday at plants owned by Ford, Stellantis NV, and General Motor Company.

The Details: The workers are striking at a GM plant in Missouri, a Stellantis plant in Ohio, and a Ford plant in Michigan. Workers at plants that weren't directed to strike will work without a contract. The union is seeking a 40% general pay raise for its members over a four-year period.

Key Quotes: "This is our generation's defining moment," UAW President Shawn Fain said Thursday night. "The money is there, the cause is righteous, the world is watching." "We are disappointed by the UAW leadership's actions, despite the unprecedented economic package GM put on the table, including historic wage increases and manufacturing commitments" a GM spokesperson said.

For Context: Roughly 12,900 workers are striking, accounting for 9% of UAW's members at the three companies. It's the first time in the union's 80-year history that it has struck the "Big Three" Detroit automakers simultaneously. Full-time plant workers at Ford and GM earn $32.32 an hour; part-timers make roughly $17 an hour. Full-time employees at Stellantis earn $31.77 an hour, and part-time workers make roughly $16 an hour.

How the Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum covered the strikes as a top story Friday.