on the content of UAW’s Targeted Strike The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is preparing for strategically focused strikes against major Detroit automakers if new agreements are not reached by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
UAW President Shawn Fain is characterizing these plans as “historic,” but it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks of what the union refers to as “stand-up” strikes.
These targeted strikes carry certain risks that could affect union members unintentionally.
Detroit
USA – The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is preparing to take unprecedented action with targeted strikes against Ford Motor, General Motors, and Stellantis if new agreements aren’t reached by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Targeted strikes, also known as bottleneck strikes, differ from nationwide strikes in that they focus on specific plants. The uniqueness of this approach lies in UAW President Shawn Fain’s plan to conduct these work stoppages.
“We are set to make history by organizing strikes at all three companies, marking a significant milestone. Initially, we will target a select number of locations, and we’ll soon reveal the specifics. As negotiations progress, we’ll identify additional localities where workers will join the strike.”
This announcement comes directly from Fain, who shared the news in a live session on Facebook this Wednesday about the UAW Targeted Strike.
Fain, in his proposal, referred to this approach as a “stand-up strike,” drawing a parallel to the historical “sit-down” strikes led by the UAW back in the 1930s. However, it’s essential to recognize that despite the label of “historic,” these targeted strikes may lead to unintended consequences. It’s still uncertain how a strike at one specific plant might impact others in the industry.
Now, let’s consider the aspect of lockouts in this context. These work stoppages also create an environment in which companies find it easier to hire permanent replacement workers and even consider initiating plant lockouts, as labor experts have pointed out. Dennis Devaney, a senior counsel at Clark Hill and a former board member, highlights that while this UAW strategy does exert pressure on companies, it also provides them with more flexibility to employ such tactics.
It’s worth noting that plant lockouts, where companies prevent workers from entering a facility, are more common in other countries than in the United States, although they have occurred here as well. For instance, there was a nearly 10-month lockout of workers at an Exxon Mobil refinery in Texas, which concluded last year after the union ratified a new agreement.
Automakers may prefer to continue production as long as possible during escalating strikes, particularly given recent supply chain disruptions due to parts shortages and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors to Consider UAW Targeted Strike
In the realm of labor disputes, companies need to navigate the legality and suitability of their actions carefully. Jeffrey S. Kopp, a seasoned corporate labor attorney boasting 26 years of expertise, sheds light on the crucial factors that demand attention in such situations.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) also recognizes the gravity of labor disputes and the range of options available. They emphasize that they’re willing to explore all possibilities when it comes to strikes triggered by expired agreements. In their words, “everything’s on the table” for both parties involved.
Navigating labor disputes requires a keen understanding of legal considerations and the readiness to explore various strategies to resolve them. With the guidance of experienced professionals like Jeffrey S. Kopp and a willingness to consider all options, companies can better manage these challenging situations.
Expired Deals
Historically, the UAW has not conducted strikes of this nature because national contracts with Detroit automakers dictate that strikes at individual plants must be over local contracts, not national issues.
UAW Shifts Strategy, Potentially Impacting Contracts and Labor Relations
In a recent development, UAW leader Fain has announced a significant shift in strategy, indicating that the union may resort to strikes at local plants over national issues. This change raises concerns about potential contract breaches, legal disputes, and complaints filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
It’s worth noting that this shift brings back memories of a 1998 lawsuit filed by GM against the UAW. GM alleged that a strike at two Michigan plants, which caused disruptions at numerous other company facilities, was illegal. Now, the union argues that the situation is different as members are currently working under expired contracts, rendering some of the old terms ineffective.
Ben Dictor, the legal counsel for the UAW, clarifies that many aspects of the contract, such as wages and working conditions, still hold. However, the “no strike, no lockout clause” has expired, giving the union the option to strike while also potentially allowing companies to lock out their workers.
Dictor elaborated on this strategy in a video posted online, saying, “As part of the stand-up strike, some of us will be working without a contract. This is an essential part of our strategy to keep the companies off balance by calling locals out on strike based on what is happening in negotiations. That will keep them guessing and turbocharge your national negotiators in bargaining with the big three.”
The move towards targeted strikes is a complex one, as the ripple effects of a strike at one plant on others remain uncertain. Such actions could potentially lead non-striking union members to unemployment lines, depending on their state’s policies regarding benefits during strikes.
Additionally, targeted strikes offer cost savings for the union, as it won’t have to provide “strike pay” to as many members from its $825 million strike fund. Typically, the fund pays eligible members $500 per week, which would cover approximately 11 weeks if all members were to strike. However, this calculation doesn’t account for healthcare costs that the union would need to cover, including temporary COBRA plans, which could deplete the fund more rapidly.
This shift in strategy by the UAW has the potential to reshape labor relations and contractual dynamics in the automotive industry, sparking debates and legal actions in the coming months.
When questioned about the strike fund’s ability to support the union, Fain has consistently emphasized the need for solidarity among UAW members, drawing parallels to past union leaders who conducted work stoppages without pay.