UAW Strike Looming: Here's How Much Strikers Would Be Paid

DETROIT — More than 146,000 autoworkers are threatening to strike if a deal isn't reached between the UAW and Detroit’s Big Three automakers before by the end of Thursday when the current contract expires.

Then union wants a 46 percent wage increase and a 32-hour workweek for its members, as well as eliminating the wage tiered system, restoring cost of living adjustments, ending temporary workers after 90 days and increasing multiple retiree benefits.

The union has rejected all proposals from the automakers, including a 10 percent wage increase from GM, a 14.5 percent increase from Stellantis and Ford's 9 percent increase and a 6 percent lump sum added after.

While unveiling the new F-150 at Hart Plaza in Detroit on Tuesday, Ford CEO Jim Farley said the automaker offered the union its "most generous offer in 80 years."

"We put an offer in today that's our most generous offer in 80 years of the UAW and Ford," Farley said. "Pay increases, elimination of tiers, inflation protection, five weeks of vacation, 17 paid holidays, bigger contributions for retirement."

Although Farley didn't go into specifics on the numbers, he expressed optimism a deal could be reached before Thursday's deadline.

When UAW workers went on strike in 2019, strikers were paid $250 per week. With roughly $825 million in the strike found this year, the strikers would be paid $500 per week, $100 per day Monday-Friday, according to the union.

The fund will also cover some benefits like medical care and prescription drugs, but not dental, vision, hearing, and sick and accident benefits, according to the union.

In order to be eligible for the strike pay and benefits, the worker must be up-to-date on dues and initiation fees on the day before the strike starts. The workers must also participate in the strike either through picketing or through the strike committee.

If a worker receives gross pay from outside work that is equal to or greater than $500, they will not receive weekly benefits, according to the union.

However, the workers will still be eligible to receive medical and prescription drug assistance, according to the union.

If a worker crosses a picket line, they will lose their strike benefits immediately.