The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is launching a groundbreaking initiative to publicly organize the entire nonunion auto sector in the U.S. after securing new contracts with the Detroit Three automakers.
Workers at 13 nonunion automakers, including Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Rivian, Nissan, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, are initiating simultaneous campaigns across the country to join the union.
These automakers employ nearly 150,000 workers at their U.S. assembly plants, a number comparable to those employed by the Detroit Three companies with which the UAW recently signed new labor agreements.
UAW President Shawn Fain encourages nonunion auto workers to sign electronic cards seeking union representation, emphasizing the availability of funds and the opportune timing for a better life.
The UAW's recent deals with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis included significant increases in base wages, reduced time to reach top pay, a 150% pay boost for temporary workers, and their conversion to permanent employees.
The organizing strategy involves making the organizing efforts public at different stages: at 30%, 50%, and 70% worker participation, with corresponding actions such as public announcements, rallies, and seeking recognition or a union representation vote.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk disagrees with the idea of unions, stating that if Tesla becomes unionized, it would be because they deserve it and failed in some way.
The UAW is also targeting other automakers, including Honda, Subaru, Mazda, Lucid, and Volvo Cars.
Some automakers, such as Honda, express reservations about union representation, emphasizing their commitment to providing an excellent employment experience for their associates.