The UAW now wants to unionize other factories, especially Tesla’s
The last few months have been marked by major collective agreement negotiations between theUAW (United Auto Workers), the largest union of manufacturing plant workers in the United States, and the three major automakers in Detroit, GM, Ford And Stellantis. The outbreak of a strike led to production delays and additional delays in deliveries. The conflict came at a time when manufacturers were just beginning to recover from the pandemic.
As the UAW was thus in a position of strength, it recently succeeded in reaching important agreements in principle for its members, including salary increases which vary between 20 and 30% for the duration of the new collective agreement.
Toyota, Volkswagen and, above all, Tesla in the crosshairs
This victory therefore gave momentum to the union which now intends to use it to convince employees of other major brand factories to join the association. UAW President Shawn Fain has made it clear where he will direct his energy next.
“One of our biggest goals following this historic contract victory is to organize like never before,” Fain said Sunday. “When we return to the negotiating table in 2028, it will not only be with the Big 3, but with the Big 5 or 6. »
It thus refers to manufacturers who have set up factories in the United States and who employ non-unionized workers, Toyota and Volkswagen, in particular. Shawn Fain has one main target in mind, and that’s You’re herethe global leader in electric vehicles that employs tens of millions of non-union workers in California, Nevada, Texas and New York.
A failed attempt in the past
The UAW had tried in the past to unionize the main Tesla factory in Fremont, California, but without success. The employees have always been loyal to Elon Musk, a formidable opponent who does not lack financial resources and who is capable of breaking the movement. Mr. Musk has always opposed the labor movement, and some accuse him of using illegal means to block any attempts, such as tweeting threats to employees and firing some supporters of the movement.
But this time, Shawn Fain hopes that the current momentum and the important victory of the last few days will help him convince Tesla employees of the advantages of joining the union center. There will undoubtedly be important discussions in major North American factories over the coming months.
