Policy Backgrounders

UAW Strikes Continue with Minor Progress

October 19, 2023

UAW strikes against the Big Three automakers that began on September 15 continued into their second month with no tentative deals in reach.

• Three expansions of the initial strike have left 34,000 workers on strike across the three companies as UAW continues to ratchet up pressure by targeting the most profitable production facilities.
• The sides remain apart in each of the three negotiations, with automakers offering just over half the wage increases UAW demands and continued tension on whether workers in new electric vehicle battery plants will be covered by new contracts and on longer-term benefits such as restoration of full pension plans.
• The first month of strikes has cost the industry an estimated $7.7 billion, with the Big Three incurring $3.5 billion in losses and their workers $360 million in lost wages, with additional losses extending to suppliers ($2.7 billion) and to dealers and customers ($1.2 billion). Concerns of continued layoffs across the industry persist as negotiations make slow progress.
• Federal intervention in negotiations does not appear likely, with the Administration pledging its support to striking UAW workers and Michigan representatives insisting on allowing negotiations to continue uninterrupted.