No resolution seen yet for UAW strike

WASHINGTON/DETROIT — The United Auto Workers' strike against three Detroit automakers entered its third day on Sunday with no immediate resolution on the horizon.

Union negotiators and representatives of General Motors, Ford and Stellantis resumed talks on Sunday, following the start of the most ambitious industrial labor action in the United States in decades. This is the first time the UAW has gone on strike against all three automakers simultaneously.

UAW President Shawn Fain told MSNBC on Sunday that progress on the talks has been slow. The UAW resumed talks with GM on Sunday, and was expected to do so with Stellantis and Ford on Monday.

Analysts warned that the strike, though limited for the time being, may develop into a prolonged one and a menace to the US economy, as it could cut production by thousands, push up vehicle prices and aggravate supply chain disruptions.

The standoff has fed already acrimonious debate in Washington over President Joe Biden's economic policies ahead of the 2024 election — and whether he has done enough to avert or resolve the auto dispute.

Only less than 10 percent of the union's 150,000 workers are currently on strike, but Fain's comments pointed to the possibility of a much broader action, with echoes throughout the economy, Agence France-Presse commented.

Biden, who has signaled support for the union's efforts, has had acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and adviser Gene Sperling speaking to the UAW and the automakers during the talks.

In a televised speech, Biden noted the massive profits made by automakers in recent years "have not been shared fairly" with workers.

Agencies Via Xinhua