Originally from Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation

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In November 2023, the United Auto Workers announced on its website that a six-week labor conflict between the Big Three automotive manufacturers was officially over. The agreement was met with great sighs of relief—but only after the disruptive powerbased moves from both parties led to an estimated $10.4 billion in economic net losses. Sara Powers, “Economic losses reach $10.4 billion in sixth week of UAW strike,” CBS News Detroit (Nov. 2, 2023).

Shortly after the strike ended, I wrote a Forbes article that both sides should have no illusions that this labor contract would bring long-term peace between the UAW and the automakers. Kate Vitasek, “Automakers and UAW Labor Dispute Ends, But Likely Only Temporarily,” Forbes (Nov. 29, 2023). 

And I was right. The parties are back at each other’s throats, this time with Stellantis—a conglomerate with several major auto brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat and others. Stellantis announced it had several suits against the United Auto Workers and 23 local units, saying the union’s decision to strike mid-contract violates the terms of the contract reached last fall. David Shepardson and Ben Klayman, “Stellantis files new lawsuits against United Auto Workers union,” Reuters (Oct. 7, 2024).