As negotiations between the leaders of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the three major U.S. auto manufacturers have continued, the UAW leadership has chosen to hold off on any new strikes for the time being.
Since the start of the negotiations, the UAW has strongly asserted its position and its commitment to fair wages and benefits for its members. The union leaders have declared themselves to be prepared to go on strike if need be in order to secure the best possible deal for their members.
The UAW and the Big Three—General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler—have been in negotiations for weeks, with the issues at stake including wages, benefits, job security, working conditions and retirement.
In a statement, UAW President Gary Jones said, “We remain in close contact with the Big Three and our members. Our members have worked hard and deserve a fair contract. We will remain vigilant and determined to reach an agreement that is in the best interests of our members.”
It is unclear what the outcome of the talks will be, and there are concerns that a strike may still occur. But for now, the UAW leadership is using a measured approach to the negotiations in the hopes of reaching a deal without disruption.
The negotiations are a crucial moment for the future of the American auto industry. Both the UAW and the Big Three are clinging to hope that they can come to an agreement that will benefit all parties involved and that will set the tone for the industry in the years to come.
