On Tuesday, workers at each of the Big Three automotive companies in the United States staged a mass walkout. In what is being seen as a historic moment, thousands of autoworkers stood united, leaving their posts at Ford, GM, and Fiat Chrysler in protest of unfair working conditions.
Supported by the United Automobile Worker’s Union, the autoworkers have put together a list of demands which they believe will ensure them a fairer working environment. Among the pressing issues they are seeking to address are, improved wages, better job security, improved healthcare, and other employee benefits.
This is the first time the automakers have seen such a large-scale walkout since the recession of 2008. This serves as a clear indication of the level of discontent among American autoworkers, as the issue of fair wages and employee rights has been gaining prominence over the last few years.
The Big Three companies have denied the workers their demands, instead offering a sub-par wage increase. This was met with widespread dissatisfaction, with many protesters stating that they were not willing to settle for anything less.
The strikes are predicted to have a huge impact on the automakers’ production schedules, as the main production facilities of each of the companies are affected by the protest. While some have already reopened, others remain shut, as the workers are refusing to compromise and are determined to see their demands met.
This is a critical time for the Big Three, as the automakers continue to battle ongoing public and governmental scrutiny. The world will be watching to see if the companies can finally satisfy the autoworkers, paving the way for improved working conditions and wages in the United States.
