Mike Pearson examines the United Auto Workers strike and what’s at stake in it. Approximately 12, 700 workers went on strike September 15.

The UAW represents half a million workers on assembly lines for all 3 big car makers. It’s the first time in history that a strike was authorized by all 3 automobile manufacturers.

The members are striking at one assembly plant for each manufacturer. The UAW leadership decided to only strike at one plant right now in order ot stretch resources. However, if the strike doesn’t get anywhere then the pressure will be amped up and strikes will occur at other assembly plants.

The UAW is asking for 40 percent pay increase over the life of the contract. However, the Big 3 leadership  says the demands the will make the auto manufacturers become unprofitable. So far, the Big 3 leadership has offered 20 percent raises.

So far the strike is only impacting small car and SUV plants. However, UAW leadership says the truck plans could be next which would hit the BIG 3 hard.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, a farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.