UAW Demands 46% Wage Increase in Negotiations With Detroit’s Big Three Automakers

Aug. 4, 2023 ~ UAW is demanding one of the largest pay increases in recent memory from Detroit‘s big three automakers amid growing profits for the companies.

The union representing about 150,000 workers at Ford Motor Co., General Motors, and Stellantis NV is asking for a 20% wage increase upfront in contract negotiations, increasing over the four years to 46%. UAW President Shawn Fain said this demand reflects the automaker CEOs’ “pay spike 40%” over the past four years, along with compensating for high inflation.

While a Ford spokesperson said the company will work “on creative solutions” to the negotiations, a GM spokesperson said the full scope of UAW’s demands would “threaten” the company’s ability “to do what’s right for the long-term benefit of the team.” The union is likely to strike if demands are not met within the next couple of months.

Daniel Howes, senior editor and columnist for the Detroit News, spoke more about the negotiations between UAW and the automakers.