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The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has initiated a strike against major car manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, to demand higher pay and improved labor agreements. This strike, occurring amid broader labor unrest, has raised concerns in an industry representing 3% of the national economy and has drawn the attention of US President Joe Biden due to its impact on crucial electoral states. The UAW, established in 1935, initially represented workers at Ford, GM, and Chrysler (now part of Stellantis) and was influential in post-World War Two US politics. Today, the UAW has over 400,000 active members, with more than 140,000 in the three targeted companies. This strike, the first to simultaneously target all three companies, was initiated by UAW President Shawn Fain, elected earlier this year with a promise of a more transparent and assertive approach to negotiations. The strike began at three factories in Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio, affecting 12,700 workers, and later expanded to 38 parts distribution centers. Although these shutdowns impact only a fraction of production, low inventory levels could lead to higher prices for consumers in the event of a protracted strike. Demands include pay raises, days off, cost-of-living adjustments, and fairer compensation for newer and temporary hires. The UAW seeks a 40% pay increase over four years, emphasizing economic justice in the face of rising executive pay and corporate profits. The strike also coincides with the auto industry's shift towards electric vehicles, raising concerns about job security due to reduced labor requirements and the use of non-union labor in this transition. Negotiations have encountered resistance from car company executives, who claim the UAW's initial demands would be financially unsustainable. Talks are ongoing, with Ford showing some progress, while GM and Stellantis remain at an impasse. The strike's duration remains uncertain, but the UAW is financially prepared for a protracted action.