US auto union prepares to increase strikes

United Auto Workers (UAW), the US auto workers union, announced that it would strike at more US factories if there is no serious progress in negotiations with the three major US automakers. Detroit, while the Canadian union Unifor postponed the strike at Ford facilities in Canada.

Last week, the UAW launched a strike at a US assembly plant owned by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler owner Stellantis.

As negotiations between the UAW and Detroit automakers continued yesterday, the strike in the United States entered its fourth day and limited progress was made in negotiations. Approximately 12,700 workers are on strike at three factories in the United States.

In his video message posted late yesterday, UAW President Shawn Fain said, “We will not wait forever while they drag this out,” complaining about the lack of progress in recent talks and giving a final deadline.

FORD EXTENDED NEGOTIATIONS IN CANADA BY 24 HOURS

Separately, the company’s contract with the Canadian union Unifor, which represents approximately 5,600 workers at Ford’s three factories in Canada, ended at 6:59 this morning.

The union said in a statement today that negotiations had been extended 24 hours after receiving a “substantial offer” from Ford.

“Unifor members must continue to prepare for the strike,” the union added.

Ford said in a statement that it had agreed to continue negotiations beyond the contract deadline in hopes of reaching a tentative agreement.

The company has two engine plants in Canada that produce V-8 engines for the F-series and Super Duty trucks assembled in the United States. The company also has an assembly plant in Ontario. (REUTERS)