US auto industry strike continues, workers demand 40% wage increase

Remaining defiant in their stand for better pay, employees from the United States’ renowned Big Three auto manufacturers – General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (the parent company of Dodge and Chrysler in the US) – continued to strike for a second day. The lack of agreement between the United Automobile Workers (UAW) and the companies could potentially destabilise the economy and influence the 2024 presidential race.

Negotiations held on Thursday night failed to yield a compromise, leading to UAW members walking out on Friday. UAW President Shawn Fain denied rumours of a breakdown in talks but confirmed the auto union’s resolve to continue the strike.

“Our members and allies are standing strong at the picket lines. Anyone who wants to stand with us can grab a sign and hold the line.”

While only a fraction, approximately 12,700, of the 150,000…