US Auto Union Expands Strike After GM Profits Top Estimates

The US auto workers union announced Tuesday it had extended its strike to a giant General Motors truck plant as it called on the company to sweeten a pay offer in light of strong quarterly profits

New York, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Oct, 2023) The US auto workers union announced Tuesday it had extended its strike to a giant General Motors truck plant as it called on the company to sweeten a pay offer in light of strong quarterly profits.

"Another record quarter, another record year. As we've said for months: record profits equal record contracts," said United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain in announcing the walkout of 5,000 workers from the assembly plant in Texas.

"It's time GM workers, and the whole working class, get their fair share."

The latest UAW union stoppage, which drew sharp criticism from GM, came hours after the automaker reported a better than expected $3.1 billion in third-quarter profits that showed only a limited impact from the strike.

The plant in Arlington, Texas makes some of GM's most profitable vehicles, including the Chevy Tahoe, the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon.

Earlier Tuesday, GM characterized strong sales of sport utility vehicles such as those from Arlington as part of a "foundation" for the company that means "consistently strong pricing and margins," according to a letter from GM Chief Executive Mary Barra.

"We are disappointed by the escalation of this unnecessary and irresponsible strike," GM said in reaction to the Arlington stoppage.

"It is time for us to finish this process, get our team members back to work and get on with the business of making GM the company that will win and provide great jobs in the US for our people for decades to come."

The union has gradually expanded the strike, first launched on September 15 at GM and fellow "Big Three" automakers Stellantis and Ford with a stoppage of just three plants with about 12,700 UAW members.

With Tuesday's action, that number has now topped 45,000.

Fain last week suggested that the union was close to a deal with the automakers -- but "these extremely profitable companies have more to give."