Unions in Detroit, South Korea Authorize Strikes
Workers push for more pay, better benefits as industry undergoes pandemic recovery.
The potential strikes could complicate a reviving auto sales market that has just started to stabilize from the pandemic.
IMAGE: Pexels/Martin Lopez
The specter of a strike in Michigan’s automaker hub looms larger as the United Auto Workers union authorized a strike at the three Detroit automakers if negotiations fail.
Meanwhile in Asia, Hyundai’s union in South Korea voted to strike for the first time in five years unless the automaker accepts its expectations of wage hikes and a retirement-age extension.
In Michigan, the UAW said about 97% of its members voted to authorize a strike; it was still counting votes on Friday. It says it will strike if wage and cost-of-living increases, a 32-hour workweek, increased retirement benefits and other concessions aren’t agreed to by Ford, General Motors and Stellantis by the contracts’ Sept. 14 expiration.
The potential strikes could complicate a reviving auto sales market that has just started to revive as production increases and vehicle prices stabilize after pandemic-era constraints skewed the supply-and-demand balance.
LEARN MORE: Report Warns UAW Strike Could Bring Economic Strife
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →
My Mercedes in the U.S.
The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.
Read More →
Used Sales Hit Summer Drag
The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.
Read More →
California Launches EV Rebate Program
Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
The Trade-In Paradox
Retailing older cars with confidence in today’s market is a matter of establishing and following a clear process that can turn greater profit for auto dealers as they aim to meet used-unit hunger.
Read More →
Focus on Vehicle Cabins
The market for interior materials will grow in coming years as automakers look to meet consumer demand while staying competitive with changeups to sourcing and included features.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
European EV Market Hits Record
Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.
Read More →
Used EVs Outpace New
While North American electric-vehicle sales remain down year-over-year, May sales saw a 3% increase from April’s numbers as used EVs led the market.
Read More →