As strikes reverberate across various industries, worker demands are voiced

In the past months, workers across varying industries including the movie-making industry of Hollywood actors, writers, and union workers have become united in a nationwide strike. Their actions draw attention to worker demands, corporate profits, and the conditions within the American workforce. One of the largest ongoing strikes is that of the United Auto Workers (UAW).

This week, the UAW strike against automotive company staples like Ford, Stellantis (Chrysler), and General Motors (GM) saw thousands of UAW members united to seek better working conditions. Their goal is to achieve better wages, employee benefits, and job protections. The UAW believes that their recognition and compensation is not being met, and demands that more corporate gains should be shared with the automotive workforce.

The union demands a 40% pay increase, comprehensive benefits, and improved job security. Workers argue that the increasing cost of living, teamed with the gigantic profits made in recent years by these companies, warrant their demands. As a result, automakers have responded, worried about the affordability of the workers' demands. Indeed, the union's demands would amount to over $100 billion for the duration of the proposed contract. GM's CEO Mary Barra voiced her hesitation toward the proposal, displaying the tense standoff on both sides of the strike.

Although the strike has been making national news, automotive company stock prices have remained relatively stable. However, according to Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi, the strike may have a significant impact on the economy if it continues for the long-term. According to Zandi, it may impede economic growth at a time when the US economy is already unstable, grappling with obstacles to economic prosperity. 

The strike is currently not shutting down dealerships; though, a possible impact could be pricing pressure on vehicles manufactured by domestic automakers. As inventory levels decrease, prospective buyers might need to wait longer for desirable models. Foreign dealerships like Toyota may also feel these effects. 

Though the UAW strike may cause turmoil for the national economy, it is already symbolic of a nationwide defense against unfair working conditions. Various industries have seen workers, notably Hollywood writers, voicing demands for better pay and working environments. Workers are growing less afraid to assert their rights. "Our movement is a movement of what's going on in the whole country when you have these major corporations taking advantage of workers for their labor," said actress Alyssa Milano.