Is the UAW’s strategy of targeting highly profitable truck and SUV plants a smart move for automakers?

Pros for UAW’s strategy of targeting highly profitable truck and SUV plants:

1. Increased bargaining power: Focusing on highly profitable plants puts pressure on automakers to pay attention to the demands of UAW, as these plants are crucial to their revenue streams.
2. Higher potential for concessions: By targeting successful plants, UAW may have a better chance of extracting favorable concessions from automakers during negotiations.
3. More financial stability: If successful, UAW’s strategy can ensure that its members have a secure source of income from the highly profitable plants, reducing job instability concerns.
4. Raising awareness: Strikes in profitable plants garner more media attention, raising awareness about the issues faced by UAW members and potentially garnering public support.

Cons for UAW’s strategy of targeting highly profitable truck and SUV plants:

1. Risk to production: Strikes in highly profitable plants disrupt the production of popular vehicles, leading to potential financial losses for automakers and job uncertainty for UAW members.
2. Negative public perception: Targeting successful plants may be viewed unfavorably by the public, as it can be seen as a strategy aimed at weakening the automakers’ profitability rather than resolving labor disputes.
3. Straining relationships: Focusing on profitable plants may strain the already delicate relationship between UAW and automakers, potentially leading to prolonged conflicts and difficulties in future negotiations.
4. Economic repercussions: Strikes affecting highly profitable plants can have broader economic consequences, including supply chain disruptions and potential job losses in related industries.

context: https://www.businessinsider.com/uaw-strike-profitable-truck-suv-plants-ford-gm-stellantis-2023-10

Texas experienced another strike on Tuesday, further increasing the tally of UAW workers who have gone on strike in the last six weeks. The current count stands at a significant 46,000 members.