Buoyed by recent contract wins at Detroit’s car companies, the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is setting its sights on a new target: BMW.
The union is calling attention to the gap between BMW’s healthy profits and stagnant wages for its North American factory workers.
They argue that while the company’s bottom line and shareholder payouts have grown, worker compensation hasn’t kept pace.
To address this imbalance, the UAW is pushing for a fairer share of its members’ profits. This includes demands for increased wages, improved benefits, and a stronger focus on worker well-being.
As June 30th looms, tensions are high in contract negotiations between BMW and the United Auto Workers (UAW). The union is pushing for a hefty raise and strong benefits, mirroring recent deals with other auto giants.
Their commitment is clear: workers are rehearsing for a strike, and a vote has authorized a walkout if necessary. In contrast, BMW’s offer is a lukewarm hourly wage increase, and their impersonal email communication isn’t winning over the UAW.
With a fresh product lineup and the critical US market on the line, a prolonged strike would be a major blow to BMW.
While negotiations may continue, the UAW’s resolve suggests they’re prepared to go the distance for a significant agreement, potentially forcing BMW to make considerable concessions to keep the assembly lines running.
