Arlington GM workers rally to support striking colleagues, UAW could expand strike soon
ARLINGTON, Texas - The United Auto Workers Union is threatening to expand its strike if no progress is made in negotiations this week.
More than 18,000 workers have been on strike from the big three automakers, General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford, since the 15th.
Currently, only about 13% of the union’s 146,000 workers are on strike. That’s a deliberate strategy to gradually turn up the pressure on the automakers.
Workers at Arlington’s General Motors Assembly Plant have not yet been asked to join, but could find out Friday if they will be included in the next wave of workers to walk off the job.
They have been rallying in support of the striking workers.
Wednesday afternoon, SKY 4 spotted a few dozen people in red shirts picketing outside the facility.
Workers at a GM’s parts facility in Roanoke, north of Fort Worth, joined the strike this past Friday, along with some union employees at a Stellantis parts distribution center in Carrollton.
North Texas auto workers continuing to strike with UAW
Workers at the General Motors distribution center in Roanoke and the Stellantis facility in Carrollton were among those who joined the strike last week.
The strike has gained praise from some and sharp criticism from others.
Week two of the UAW strike is coming to a close and a deal does not appear to be in sight.
"We're prepared to be out here as long as it takes," Jason Craig said.
On Friday, the UAW president will announce how it plans to expand the strike against Detroit’s big three automakers. That may involve a call for Arlington’s GM workers to join the walkout.
The UAW wants 40% raises over four years along with other benefits. The automakers have come in closer to 20%.
The UAW president said the decision whether to expand the strike will hinge on whether any serious progress is being made in talks.
"I don't know how they come together right now," said Bob Nardelli, former Chrysler chairman and CEO.
UAW's Shawn Fain gives Detroit's Big Three new deadline before more strikes expected
UAW President Shawn Fain is expected to announce more striking locations on Friday if serious progress isn't made.
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden greeted workers on the picket lines and became the first sitting president to walk a picket line with union workers.
Then, on Wednesday, the GOP presidential frontrunner weighed in on the labor dispute.
"Joe Biden came to Michigan to pose for photos at the picket lines. But it’s his policies that send Michigan autoworkers to the unemployment lines," former President Donald Trump said while speaking at a non-union parts plant in Michigan.
Trump also expressed support to union workers on strike.
"The workers of America are getting, to put it nicely, screwed. You are getting screwed," he said.
In Dallas this week, Texas Senator John Cornyn gave a cautious response about the situation.
"I wish them well ,but the wages the strikers are striking for, I don't begrudge them for wanting to support their families and earn a good living, but that cost is going to invariably be passed onto the consumer," he said.
The strike expansion will be announced at 9 a.m. Friday in a video by the UAW president.