Almost 13,000 auto workers in the United States have stopped working after the United Auto Workers union launched a strike targeting all three of the country’s major car manufacturers for the first time in history.
The strike, involving some 12,700 workers at three assembly plants in Michigan, Missouri and Ohio, is expected to halt production of popular car models including the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Colorado.
The UAW has demanded a 36 percent pay rise over four years and the elimination of a tiered salary scale that requires workers to put in eight years before being eligible for the same compensation as veteran employees.
UAW President Shawn Fain says the union would not call a broader general strike for now, but all options would be on the table if new contracts are not agreed.