Michael Hiltzik Nonunion Automakers: the United Auto Workers’ recent contract settlements, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Subaru have decided to give their workers a raise, ranging from 9% to 11%. It’s like a domino effect, you see. Even though these companies ain’t under the UAW contract, they saw what was going on and thought, “Why not spread some holiday cheer ourselves?”
Toyota’s treating its folks to a 9% raise come January. Nissan’s not far behind, giving its 9,000 U.S. workers about a 10% bump and getting rid of that two-tiered pay system. Honda’s feeling generous with an 11% raise for workers at its plants in Ohio, Indiana, and Georgia, and they’re speeding up the process of reaching the top pay rate. Subaru’s getting in on the action too, announcing a raise at its plant in Lafayette, Ind. We don’t know how much yet, but it’s the thought that counts, right?
Now, the funny thing is, none of these companies is covered by a UAW contract. Nope, not a single one. But it seems like they could read the writing on the wall after the UAW’s deal with GM, Ford, and Stellantis. UAW President Shawn Fain even made sure they wouldn’t miss the memo. He’s got big plans, y’see, to organize like never before. He’s eyeing not just the Big Three but also the foreign automakers that set up shop in anti-labor states, trying to keep unions at bay. He’s even throwing a glance toward Tesla.
Some folks say this is a sign that the UAW’s learned a thing or twothat the key to recruiting new members is winning big in contract negotiations. It makes union membership concrete, not just some abstract idea. The recent contracts with GM, Ford, and Stellantis, with their historic wage gains and rollbacks of concessions, are like a shining beacon for the benefits of being in a union.
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Now, the Japanese automakers’ employees are reaping the rewards too. Better pay and benefits, thanks to the UAW’s efforts. It’s a win-win, ain’t it?
But here’s the other side of the coin. The nonunion companies, by offering better pay and benefits, could throw a wrench in the UAW’s organizing plans. If the wages are the same, and workers don’t have to pay dues, well, it might make them think twice about joining a union. It’s an old trick, offering better pay and benefits to fend off those pesky unions. You know, fight fire with fire.
Sure, the UAW’s recent victories in contract negotiations are a great ad for union membership. But the nonunion companies responding so quick might just steal the show. Time will tell if the UAW can keep the momentum going and win over new members, especially in places like the Deep South where unions have had a rough time making headway.
Anyway, it’s a wild ride in the world of auto workers and unions. Let’s see how the UAW and the companies play their cards in this game of labor relations.
Our Reader’s Queries
Does Toyota use union labor?
Toyota’s decision mirrors significant salary advancements secured by the United Auto Workers union for hourly employees at General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., and Stellantis NV-operated plants in the US. Unlike workers at US-based plants owned by General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., and Stellantis NV, employees at Toyota’s US plants, as well as those at other foreign brands and Tesla Inc., are not represented by a union.
Are US Honda plants unionized?
Honda, a car manufacturer with non-unionized U.S. plants, is swiftly impacted by the recent successes of the UAW in securing new labor agreements with Detroit automakers. This demonstrates the widespread influence of these historic victories on the automotive industry.
Who founded the United Auto Workers?
During the 1935 AFL convention, a group of industrial unions headed by John L. Lewis established the Committee for Industrial Organization, or CIO. This move caused tension within the AFL, leading to the suspension of the CIO-affiliated unions within a year. As a result, these unions joined forces to create the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), with the UAW as one of its members.