The 2023 UAW Stand Up Strike: A Bold New Chapter in Labor History

In September 2023, the United Auto Workers (UAW) launched the “Stand Up Strike,” a strategic and unprecedented labor action that captured national attention and highlighted the ongoing struggles for fair wages, job security, and improved working conditions in the automotive industry. This bold strike marked a significant moment not just for UAW members but for the labor movement as a whole.

Context and Background

The Stand Up Strike arose against a backdrop of immense change within the automotive sector. As the industry increasingly shifted toward electric vehicles (EVs), concerns about job security and the impact of automation on employment grew among workers. Additionally, while automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, reported record profits, many UAW members felt that their wages and benefits had not kept pace with the rising cost of living or the financial success of their employers.

The UAW’s leadership, under President Shawn Fain, recognized the urgent need to address these disparities. In the lead-up to the strike, members participated in a series of unprecedented negotiations, demanding substantial wage increases, better benefits, and protections against layoffs as the industry transitioned to EV production.

The Stand Up Strike Begins

On September 15, 2023, the UAW initiated its Stand Up Strike, targeting key facilities at Ford, GM, and Stellantis. This strike was different from previous actions, utilizing a flexible approach that allowed the UAW International to strike selectively rather than a full shutdown. UAW Local 659, representing members at GMCCA Swartz Creek (also known as Flint Processing Center – Swartz Creek), along with various other Local’s was called upon on September 22, 2023 to stand up and fight for all Customer Care & Aftersales Members, emphasizing the solidarity and unity across the union.

The response was immediate. Workers at strategic locations across the country joined the strike, picketing outside factories and demanding fair treatment. The strike was marked by a strong sense of solidarity, with union members, allies, and community supporters rallying together to amplify their voices. Social media played a crucial role in organizing and mobilizing support, allowing workers to share their stories and garner attention from the public.

Key Issues and Demands

The primary demands of the UAW during the Stand Up Strike included:

• Wage Increases: Workers sought significant pay raises to combat inflation and reflect their contributions to the automakers’ profits.
• Job Security: As the shift to EVs loomed, job security became a central concern, with workers demanding assurances against layoffs and plant closures.
• Improved Benefits: The UAW aimed to enhance healthcare benefits and retirement plans, ensuring that members could secure their futures.
• Addressing Temporary Work: The union pushed for better treatment and pathways to full-time employment for temporary workers, who often faced precarious conditions.

Negotiations and Outcomes

As the strike progressed, negotiations intensified. The UAW employed its strategic approach to strike, with members remaining engaged and adaptable to changing circumstances. The pressure mounted on automakers as production delays and supply chain disruptions became apparent.

By mid-October, negotiations reached a critical point. After weeks of bargaining and demonstrations of unity from the rank and file, the automakers began to respond more favorably to the union’s demands. The UAW was able to secure a tentative agreement with the Big Three that included substantial wage increases, enhanced job security provisions, and improved benefits for both current and future workers.

The Significance of the Stand Up Strike

The 2023 UAW Stand Up Strike marked a watershed moment for the labor movement, showcasing the power of solidarity in the face of corporate resistance. It not only addressed immediate concerns for auto workers but also resonated with broader labor issues across various sectors. The Strike reinvigorated the spirit of collective bargaining and demonstrated that workers are willing to stand up and fight for their rights.