Speaker 1 (00:00):
It’s looking more likely that more than 100,000 United Auto Workers could go on strike by the end of next week as contract negotiations have slowed, and that could mean car prices will soar even higher. Here’s Tom Costello.
Tom Castello (00:15):
10 days till their current contract expires, up to 146,000 auto workers are now widely expected to walk off the job on Friday the 15th. Negotiations, rocky at best.
Shawn Fain (00:28):
We’ve given our economic proposals over a month ago and they’ve had no response to it.
Tom Castello (00:31):
The big three automakers, Ford, GM, and Chrysler owners Stillantis, face tough demands.
Jake Talbot (00:36):
The union’s demands include a 46% pay hike, a 32-hour work week, but paid for 40 hours, and the restoration of traditional pension benefits.
Tom Castello (00:47):
UAW workers already make 10 to $20 more per hour than non-union automakers, including Toyota and Tesla. The UAW admits the demand is audacious, but insists they deserve more after record profits. Ford says it’s already offered a 9% pay hike. Stillantis calls negotiations “constructive and collaborative”, GM says it’s “working hard to resolve 1,000 union demands.”
(01:12)
In Ogden, Utah, Jake Talbot at Young Ford warns a strike could cut inventory further, sending car prices higher.
Jake Talbot (01:20):
If you’re going to buy a car in the next few months, it’s probably not a bad idea to do it now.
Tom Castello (01:23):
And smaller supply chain businesses could also be affected by a strike.
Tod Olson (01:27):
We’re going to be on our own now.
Tom Castello (01:29):
With 200 employees, Twin City Die Castings makes metal components for cars.
Tod Olson (01:34):
Somewhere between 30 days and 60, it’s going to be very hard for us to maintain our workforce and continue to pay people.
Tom Castello (01:42):
After a summer of high profile labor disputes and strikes, a UAW mega strike now looms large. Tom Costello, NBC News.