The auto strike, by the numbers

The pay gap between Big Three automakers' executives and UAW members has workers pushing for higher wages

A UAW strike sign outside a Stellantis factory
UAW workers are striking for fairer wages as their bosses continue to make more
(Image credit: Emily Elconin / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The year of strikes has continued with the United Auto Workers (UAW) walking off the job on Sept. 15. While the UAW has gone on strike in the past, the 2023 walkout marks the first time that unionized workers have trilaterally picketed the 'Big Three' U.S. car manufacturers: General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, the latter of which owns Chrysler and Jeep.

Like other labor disputes, such as the ongoing dual strikes in Hollywood, UAW workers are taking to the streets for fairer pay and more equitable working conditions. UAW President Shawn Fain unveiled demands including a 46% pay raise, reinstated pensions, additional paid leave, reestablished retirement benefits and more, though Fain himself described the demands as "audacious."

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.