United Auto Workers Union begins strike in US

U.S. auto workers are striking as UAW contract talks wrap up. The United Auto Workers (UAW) has begun a strike over wages and safety at three longtime automakers in Detroit. Workers began walking out Friday from the Ford Motor Michigan plant that makes the Bronco SUV, the General Motors plant in Missouri that makes the Chevy Colorado midsize pickup truck and the Stellantis NV plant in Toledo, Ohio, that makes the Jeep Wrangler. After weeks of talks, the union and the automakers remain far apart. The strategy is designed to steadily reduce production of the profitable vehicles while minimizing the impact on the UAW’s strike fund. The union said it would add strike locations depending on how the bargaining progresses. “Tonight, for the first time in our history, we will hit all three of the Big Three at the same time. This strategy will keep companies guessing. It will give our national negotiators maximum power and flexibility in bargaining. And if we have to go all the way, we will. Everything is on the table,” UAW President Shawn Fain said late Thursday.