(WWJ) At noon on Friday, another slew of UAW workers walked off the job, at two plants in two states.
Friday morning, UAW President Shawn Fain announced yet another significant expansion of the Stand Up Strike against the Big Three — this time targeting Ford and General Motors.
Fain called for an additional 7,000 UAW workers to walk out from the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant, in Chicago, Illinois; and the GM Lansing Delta Assembly Plant, in Lansing, Michigan. He also specified that the Lansing Regional Stamping will continue working.
WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert says the UAW’s latest move will affect the production of mid-size SUVs from Ford and GM.
Meanwhile, no further walkouts have been called for at Stellantis at this time, as Fain says the UAW made some significant progress with the automaker prior to his Friday morning remarks.
In total, workers at over 40 General Motors, Stellantis and Ford plants and parts distribution centers are picketing as the strike against the Big Three hits the two-week mark.
During his 10 a.m. live stream, Fain also discussed the recent reports of violence against striking workers on the picket lines.
“We will not be intimated into backing down by the companies or their scabs,” he said. “Our cause is just.”
Fain also mentioned President Joe Biden’s historic visit to striking UAW workers this week in Michigan.
The latest strike expansion comes exactly a week after workers walked out of their jobs last Friday, Sept. 22 at 38 parts distribution centers in 20 states across the country.
With the latest walkouts, a total of about 25,000 UAW workers will be on strike, according to Gilbert.
The union and automakers remain at odds over wage increases, cost of living adjustments and other improvements, including pensions.
MORE: UAW President condemns 'shocking reports of violence' against striking workers on the picket lines