UAW Calls for Strike at General Motors’ Arlington Assembly Plant in Texas
(WXYZ) — The United Auto Workers union has declared a strike at General Motors’ Arlington Assembly Plant in Texas, calling for 5,000 members to walk off the job. This marks the second consecutive day of the UAW’s expansion of its Stand Up Strike, following the announcement that 6,800 workers at the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant had also gone on strike.
The Arlington plant is responsible for producing popular vehicles such as the Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade. The UAW stated that it is the automaker’s largest plant and biggest moneymaker.
Coincidentally, General Motors released its third-quarter earnings on the same day as the strike, revealing a net income of over $3 billion, which is a 7% decrease compared to the same period last year. However, excluding one-time items, GM reported earnings of $2.28 per share, surpassing Wall Street estimates of $1.87. Additionally, the company’s revenue of $44.13 billion rose by 5.4%, exceeding estimates of $42.48 billion.
In response to the strike, UAW President Shawn Fain emphasized the need for fair compensation, stating, “Another record quarter, another record year. As we’ve said for months: record profits equal record contracts. It’s time GM workers, and the whole working class, get their fair share.”
General Motors issued a statement expressing disappointment in the strike, labeling it as unnecessary and irresponsible. The company highlighted the negative effects on team members, dealers, suppliers, and the communities that rely on them. GM also noted that it had presented a comprehensive offer to the UAW last week, which included a 25% increase in total value on top of substantial and historic previous offers.
With the addition of the strike at the Arlington Assembly Plant, the total number of plants on strike has reached 46, including 21 GM plants, 22 Stellantis plants, and three Ford plants. The strike has currently affected nearly 45,000 workers, with 13,375 at GM, 16,600 at Ford, and 14,750 at Stellantis.
The ongoing strikes highlight the escalating tensions between the UAW and the automakers, as both sides continue to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and job security. As the strikes persist across multiple plants, the pressure for a resolution intensifies, with the hope of reaching a fair agreement that satisfies the demands of the workers and ensures the future prosperity of the automotive industry.