Dive Brief:
- United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said Thursday the union filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board against General Motors and Stellantis because the two automakers are not responding quickly to the union’s demands, according to CNBC.
- The UAW did not include Ford in the complaint because the company offered a counterproposal, Fain said.
- GM and Stellantis' reactions to the complaint suggest the sides may not reach an agreement before the UAW’s contracts with the Big Three expire Sept. 14.
Dive Insight:
Last week, UAW members voted nearly unanimously to strike if a new contract agreement is not reached by Sept. 14, which could result in billions of dollars in losses for the three automakers. The union has pushed for wage increases of up to 46% over the next four years, a 32-hour work week, cost of living increases and restoration of traditional pensions.
“UAW family, I’m sad to report that the Big Three are either not listening or they are not taking us seriously, " Fain said Thursday. “GM and Stellantis’ willful refusal to bargain in good faith is not only insulting and counterproductive, it’s also illegal.”
In its filing with the NLRB, the UAW said, “During the past six months, the employer has violated the [National Labor Relations Act] by refusing to bargain in good faith over mandatory subjects of bargaining including but not limited to wages and benefits.”
According to CNBC, “Stellantis said it has not yet received a copy of the NLRB complaint, ‘but is shocked by Mr. Fain’s claims that we have not bargained in good faith.’”
GM offered a similar response. According to the automaker, GM and UAW bargaining subcommittees met regularly throughout August.
“We are surprised by and strongly refute the NLRB charge filed by the International UAW. We believe it has no merit and is an insult to the bargaining committees,” said Gerald Johnson, GM Executive Vice President, Global Manufacturing, in a statement.
Ford's new proposal offers a 15% guaranteed wage increase, including overtime and lump sum bonuses, for UAW hourly workers. Combined wages would increase from an average of $78,000 in 2022 to $92,000 in the first year of the new contract. Ford also offered $17,500 in health coverage and $20,500 in additional benefits in the first year. Ford says its offer is “significantly better” than what it estimates workers earn at Tesla, according to a company statement.
Even so, the union’s president dismissed Ford’s proposal.
“Ford’s wage proposals not only failed to meet our needs, it insults our very worth,” Fain said.
