Kansas City UAW Strike Countdown

As we start the work week, here's an apropos place to begin . . .

UAW STRIKE THREATS INTENSIFY AS AMERICAN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING HANGS IN THE BALANCE!!!

Most people don't belong to a union but the fallout from this confrontation will impact EVERYONE in one way or another. 

From our vantage . . .

If the strike threat works then auto companies open the door to higher prices, greater foreign competition and similar demands across the labor market. 

If the corporations break the strike . . . The persistent illusion of modern-day social mobility takes another hit, American class-warfare will intensify and corporations will be emboldened to suppress wages for EVERYONE across the board and despite rising inflation. 

Real talk . . . The showdown looks like a lose/lose for most of us on the low-end and we can only hope that smarter people will achieve some kind of compromise. 

Still . . .

Local news from the weekend offers a hint that we're getting ready to witness a test of willpower from both sides.

Check-it . . .  

Hundreds of workers from the Ford Plant in Claycomo showed their solidarity ahead of the deadline.

"We are just looking for a better way of life, some dignity on the job, a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work and I think we deserve that. I really do,” Tony Renfro, president of UAW Local 249, said. "This is the same fight that we are having now that we had 100 years ago."

Renfro spoke to the crowd, saying they are fighting for a more level playing field.

Some of the requests from the Union include a more than 40% pay raise, a four-day work week at full-time pay, and a return to traditional pensions.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

United Auto Workers Local 249 rally together ahead of contract deadline

Automakers have until one minute before midnight Friday to reach a new agreement with the Union of Auto Workers. If not, roughly 150,000 will go on strike.

Further Reading . . .

Why the United Auto Workers union is poised to strike major US car makers this week

About 146,000 U.S. auto workers are set to go on strike this week if General Motors, Ford and Stellantis fail to meet their demands for big pay raises and the restoration of concessions the workers made years ago when the companies were in financial trouble.

UAW strike on Detroit 3 would cost economy billions, report says

A hypothetical 10-day strike against the Detroit 3 would result in more than $5 billion in economic losses, according to the analysis from Anderson Economic Group.

UAW strike would show Biden, other leaders it's time to 'pick a side,' union boss says

A strike by the United Auto Workers union against the Detroit automakers would help President Joe Biden and other politicians pick a side when it comes to organized labor, UAW President Shawn Fain said Wednesday night.

UAW strike will be devastating for U.S. car industry

A potential UAW strike would be worse on consumers the longer it lasts, experts say. But its duration is "the real unknown."

Elon Musk and Tesla are poised to benefit from a 'highly likely' UAW strike against Detroit's Big 3

Tesla, which has fought off organized labor, faces traditional automakers pushing aggressively into electric vehicles.

Strike A 'Potential Nightmare' For General Motors, Ford. Union Touts $825 Million War Chest

Auto strike: General Motors, Ford and Stellantis are officially on strike watch as the current contracts with the UAW are set to expire next week.

Think the looming UAW strike won't affect consumers? Think again.

If you thought you were going to get a deal on a new Ford, GM or Stellantis car or truck any time soon, think again.

Developing . . .