The UAW workers strike continues and its impacts are being felt throughout the industry, not just with GM and their workers. Imagine all the other factories and companies that make the parts and form the metal that they assemble into cars. They outsource many parts, so when a strike goes on and GM workers are picketing, they aren’t buying more parts from vendors.
A supply backlog is happening and there are more parts and no workers to use them. That’s why vendors have decided that it’s time to start laying off their workers. If GM isn’t buying these parts any longer due to the backlog, then they don’t need people making the parts. It’s even seeping into the trucking industry.
Many pictures have come out showing how semis are being blocked from entering GM plants and deliveries aren’t being made. That means truck drivers are struggling to get paid for loads that were meant to be delivered, but still sit on their trailers. The good news here is that GM has stated recently that they have continued negotiations with the UAW and it’s going really well. Actual progress is being made, so hopefully the strike doesn’t last too long.
Other Companies Who Have Been Hit
Modine Manufacturing is a company that makes radiators. Cooper-Standard Holdings produces all sorts of car equipment, like brake lines and sealings. BorgWarner makes control panels for exhaust and emissions. These are all major companies that are suffering as the strike continues. Delphi and others have taken a loss in the stock market.
In an attempt to appease the UAW, GM has already offered to created thousands of new jobs and offer $7 billion towards other investments to create jobs and improve working conditions. They even offered better wages and health care benefits, but it was all turned down before the strike was set to take place.
GM tweeted: “The offer we presented to the UAW prioritizes employees, communities and builds a stronger future for all. It includes improved wages and health care benefits, over $7B in U.S. investments and 5,400 jobs. Let’s come together and secure our shared future.”
Nearly 50,000 UAW workers across the country are currently striking.
