In 2021, Ford CEO Jim Farley made nearly $23 million.[1] That year, Ford paid just 1% in federal taxes on $10 billion in earnings.[2]
GM CEO Mary Barra made $29 million in 2021 and GM paid just 0.2% in taxes that year on $9.4 billion in earnings.[3]
Right now, United Auto Workers are preparing to go on strike if Ford, GM, and Stellantis don’t meet their demands before their current contract expires on September 14.
Workers are demanding fair pay with benefits. And, given that the Big Three automakers raked in $21 billion in combined profits in just the first 6 months of this year, they can afford to both meet workers’ demands AND pay their fair share in taxes.[4]
Here’s what UAW workers are demanding in contract negotiations:
ELIMINATE TIERS – A two-tier wage system pays newer hires less than veteran workers, shattering the common interest that comes from equal treatment and undermining union solidarity. The Teamsters ended tiers at UPS. Let’s end tiers at the Big Three auto manufacturers.
SUBSTANTIAL WAGE INCREASES – The Big Three automaker CEOs saw their pay spike 40% on average over the last four years. Workers are worth the same and more!
RESTORE COLA – It’s Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) that made sure working-class communities thrived for decades. Taking that away hammered workers and communities. It must be restored.
DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION FOR ALL WORKERS – All workers deserve the retirement security that UAW members had for generations.
RE-ESTABLISH RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS – Healthcare is just as essential as a solid pension.
RIGHT TO STRIKE OVER PLANT CLOSURES – The Big Three have closed 65 plants over the last 20 years. That’s been devastating for workers and their communities. Workers must have the right to defend their communities from the corporate greed that’s killing so many cities and towns.
WORKING-FAMILY PROTECTION PROGRAM – A program that keeps UAW members on the job. If companies try to flee workers’ hometowns, they’ll have to pay UAW members to do community-service work.
END ABUSE OF TEMP WORKERS – Workers’ fight at the Big Three is a fight for every worker.
MORE PAID TIME OFF TO BE WITH FAMILIES – Autoworkers are working 60, 70, even 80 hours a week just to make ends meet. They’re demanding fair scheduling now.
SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE RETIREE PAY – Retired autoworkers built these companies and deserve to be represented in ongoing negotiations.
