UAW adds 38 GM, Stellantis parts distribution centers to strike but spares Ford with progress made

Fain said Ford had increased its offers for profit-sharing payouts and job security, though he added that the two sides “still have serious issues to work through.”

“Ford is working diligently with the UAW to reach a deal that rewards our workforce and enables Ford to invest in a vibrant and growing future,” the company said in a statement. “Although we are making progress in some areas, we still have significant gaps to close on the key economic issues. In the end, the issues are interconnected and must work within an overall agreement that supports our mutual success.”

The strike, now in its eighth day, began Sept. 15, one minute after its previous four-year contracts with the automakers expired. The union originally ordered about 13,000 workers at three assembly plants — one at each company, spread across Michigan, Ohio and Missouri — onto picket lines. Those plants are GM’s Wentzville Assembly in Missouri, Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant near Detroit and Stellantis’ Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio.

GM also this week idled its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kan., due to a lack of parts made at Wentzville.

“Our message to the consumer is simple: the way to fix the frustrating customer experience is for the companies to end price gouging,” Fain said. “Invest these record profits into stable jobs and sustainable wages and benefits. It’s that simple.”

Ford’s progress with the UAW comes several days after it reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with Canada’s Unifor union, avoiding a second strike.