(CBS DETROIT) — UAW President Shawn Fain made an announcement Friday, sharing the latest updates on bargaining in the historic strike by the union of the big three automakers.
Fain announced progress in negotiations with General Motors and there will be no additional strikes.
After threatening to attack a General Motors main plant in Arlington, Texas, Fain said the automaker had agreed to award battery plants for electric vehicles a national contract with the UAW.
“This week, GM did something unthinkable until today,” Fain said. “They have agreed to position the long-term of this industry under our national agreement. This victory is a direct result of the strength of our members. It is their will to stand up when they call you. It is your commitment to earn what you are owed. Companies see. The world sees it. And today, I’m in a position to ask one of GM’s largest and most vital plants to stand up. this risk that brought GM to the table. “
Although the strike at the Arlington plant was averted, here’s what happens at that plant:
GM posted the following after Fain’s announcement:
“Negotiations are progressing and we will continue to work to find answers to the most important issues. Our goal remains to achieve a deal that rewards our creators and prepares GM for good luck in the future. “
Two of the big three automakers have committed to a cost-of-living adjustment. Ford and Stellantis agree, and Fain said General Motors is far behind.
In addition, Ford has waived a $1. 50 tool allowance, Stellantis is $1. 00 and General Motors has caved in.
Fain also said that progress has been made in the fight for the increase in pensions and in the resolution of the subcommittees.
“We are still struggling to get retirement security for our pre- and post-2007 employees,” Fain said.
The UAW president ended his announcement by noting that he returned to the negotiating table to win a record 3 contracts.
“We know their problems, we know their cash turbines and we know the factories that don’t really need to be touched. And they know we still have cards to play,” Fain said. “We’re not going to allow a single company to fall and expect progress at another table. We will not allow them to sit back and belittle us while others move forward. We expect effects on each and every company. And we’ve been very transparent about how to catch a shot and avoid it.
“We continue to have smart momentum at the negotiating table and have worked diligently with the UAW over the past week to build on that foundation. We are making progress, but there are still gaps that need to be addressed. Since the beginning of those negotiations, our goal has not wavered, which is to reach a balanced agreement as soon as possible that identifies the framework that will allow the company to be competitive and sustainable in a rapidly changing market and that will take our employees on this journey. a serious proposal to the UAW that reinforces our commitments beyond:
• Offer significant wage increases of 21. 4% when capitalized through 2027 for all full-time hourly workers. • Implement a rapid wage increase of 10% for the maximum number of workers after the ratification of the contract. • Accelerate time to reach the highest wage rate for rising workers (4 years, instead of 8 years) • Increase starting pay for additional workers to $20/hour, a 26. 7% increase • Eliminate pay grades for Mopar workers • Increase paid leave to 18 years of age in some years with the addition of June 18 • Provide changes in the cost of living calculated quarterly, added to hours earned and included in weekly paychecks • Invest billions in the U. S. Contribute an additional billion dollars to retirement investment • Make significant innovations in the company’s 401(k) contribution to the advancement of workers.
In addition, the company and the union discussed various responses to ensure job security for all our workers, adding those of Belvidere. In addition to our extensive economic offering, we will also offer many other enhanced benefits. If accepted, this landmark proposal would provide our represented workers with immediate monetary benefits, work-life balance and secure employment for the duration of the contract. In fact, at the end of this contract, all of our represented workers would see their annual salaries increase significantly. Here’s what you can expect:
While we still have work to do, I remain confident that our discussions will pave the way for an agreement in principle. It would be a formula that would reward our workforce while preserving our ability to compete with non-union brands and protecting the company’s long term for our employees, families and consumers. With more than 8,000 of our colleagues on the picket line, some of whom are now in their third week, we are committed to building on this momentum, so we can get everyone back to work by building the cars our consumers need that allow them to move freely. “