UAW president Shawn Fain announced Friday morning that, at noon today, the UAW strike against Detroit’s biggest automakers will expand, adding an additional 7,000 workers to the walkout.
Fain stated that despite the UAW's willingness to bargain, Ford (NYSE:F) and General Motors (NYSE:GM) have declined to make meaningful advancements during the discussions. Nevertheless, Fain clarified that negotiations have not completely fallen apart.
The additional participants will expand the union strike to include over 25,000 UAW workers as the demonstration against Ford, GM, and Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) stretches into its third week.
Fain called for the 7,000 workers to join the cause, highlighting specific targets such as a Ford plant in Chicago and a GM plant in Lansing Township, Michigan.
The UAW president highlighted the visit of political heavyweights in his speech Friday, insisting that “America has our backs.”
The strike began on September 15th as the union’s previous 4-year contract expired. Workers at plants from General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis are participating in the strike.
Notably, the UAW did not extend the strike to include Ford distribution facilities, citing positive developments in ongoing negotiations with the company.
Shares of GM and F are down 0.26% and 0.20% respectively in mid-day trading on Friday while shares of STLA are up 0.18%.