The United Auto Workers (UAW) said that union members at Volvo Group subsidiary Mack Trucks went on strike on Monday morning, October 9, after decisively rejecting a proposed five-year contract deal.
The UAW said that 4,000 employees in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Maryland voted against the proposal.
This year, unions in the auto, shipping, and healthcare sectors have utilized labor strikes to catch employers off guard during contract negotiations. Statistics reveal that the majority of Americans agree with the unions' demands.
Expanded UAW Strikes
As of September 15, the UAW strike against the Detroit Three automakers has been ongoing. There are around 25,000 striking UAW members at General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler parent Stellantis.
In a report by Reuters, the intended Mack contract would have given workers a 19% raise, a $3,500 ratification bonus, better retirement benefits, more vacation time, and a shorter time to reach their maximum salary.
Late on Sunday, October 8, UAW President Shawn Fain remarked, "I'm inspired to see UAW members at Mack holding out for a better deal, and ready to stand up and walk off the job to win it."
After Mack employees rejected the offer, the UAW served a strike notice on the corporation, citing "many topics" as the reason for the upcoming walkout. These topics include pay raises, cost-of-living adjustments, job security, and promotions.
See Also : President Joe Biden Visits UAW Picket Line in Michigan, Showing Support for Striking Workers
'Surprised and Disappointed'
Mack Trucks President Stephen Roy expressed surprise and disappointment at the UAW's decision to strike, claiming that it was needless. "We clearly demonstrated our commitment to good faith bargaining by arriving at a tentative agreement that was endorsed by both the International UAW and the UAW Mack Truck Council."
The UAW said that it will get back in touch with Mack to schedule new negotiation dates. Mack said it was dedicated to the collective bargaining process and was still optimistic a deal could be reached.
In a letter to Mack, the UAW stated, "UAW members and workers across the economy are mobilizing to demand their fair share. The union remains committed to exploring all options for reaching an agreement, but clearly, we are not there yet."
The Mack truck company was acquired by Volvo in the year 2000, and is now one of the leading producers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks in North America. According to Roy, Mack is a member of the only heavy-truck manufacturing company that builds its vehicles and engines entirely in the USA.
With negotiations progressing, including Ford increasing its proposed salary raise to 23% until early 2028, union president Fain said last week that the Detroit Three strikes would not be expanded. Workers might see wage rises of nearly 30% after suggested cost-of-living adjustments are factored in, according to those with knowledge of the idea.
