The thinking is that to convince members to ratify a potential new contract, UAW President Shawn Fain and the union's leadership will need to convince autoworkers that the union has fought as hard as possibleDETROIT – A shift in strategy by the United Auto Workers union this week has some analysts wondering if the parties are — perhaps, counterintuitively — getting closer to a deal.Kentucky Truck Plant.
"We continue to believe the escalation at this week is a sign the talks may be coming to an end. KY Truck is likely Ford's most profitable plant, and therefore the strike is the highest level of escalation, aside from a national strike," Wells Fargo analyst Colin Langan wrote in a Friday note. "This escalation would likely be done to push for final terms."
"In another week or two, Fain should be able to credibly announce that he has forced Ford into one last capitulation , and that UAW members have secured the last few ounces of wage, benefits, and job protection concessions that they can get," Lache wrote Thursday to investors. Wheaton argues the escalation in Kentucky may just be the beginning. There are plenty more plants the union could hit for each of the automakers, including the full-size pickup truck plants owned by all three and large SUV plants at GM and Stellantis.to include battery cell plant workers under the company's national agreement, however details regarding how that will be done are believed to be still being negotiated.
Another includes the automakers holding out for the union to deplete its resources, specifically its strike and defense fund. Or, the UAW could continue rotating strikes or filing additional unfair labor practice charges against the companies. Yet another outcome could see the sides seeking mediation or legal resources.
Ford was up to a record 23% wage increase in its recent contract proposal, with the others not far behind.