The future of American auto production is in question, at least for now, after some members of the United Auto Workers union went on strike last week.
“It’s unfortunate, but I support the workers, and they stand up for everything they need to do,” Birmingham driver Bianca Wilkerson said.
The strike includes General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, which manufacture Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep cars. Only about 13,000 of the 146,000 union members in the three companies are participating in the strike, but this number may rise.
Among the things union members are demanding are a 36 percent wage increase and a 32-hour, four-day work week. Experts say a shorter workweek means hiring more workers to meet production demands.
“That means they’re going to have to hire another 28,000 workers, and that’s going to raise their labor cost budgets significantly,” said retired UAB marketing professor Bob Robichaux.
The strike has no direct impact on auto production here in Alabama, at least not now. This does not mean that the effects of the strike will not be felt here, if it continues.
“Car buyers will be directly affected, either for a short period or for a longer period of time,” Robichaux added.
Union members are also demanding the removal of the pay scale system, which Robichaux says could allow new employees to receive the same income as senior employees.
“With no experience, we have to learn how to do the job,” Robichaux said. “We don’t know how reliable this person is.”
Those potentially in the market for a new car are hoping there will be a solution soon.
“Love heals the world,” Wilkerson said. “Love heals you, your soul, your soul, and you treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Currently, only facilities in Missouri, Ohio and Michigan are affected by the strike.
