39%
The United Automobile Workers (UAW).
41.5%41.5%
Flint, Michigan
Flint, Michigan
General Motors recognized the United Automobile Workers Union.
A UAW members refused to leave a GM plant until the company agreed to recongnize the union
The UAW had only been formed in 1935 and held its first convention in 1936. Shortly thereafter the union decided that it could not survive by piecemeal organizing campaigns at smaller plants, as it had in the past, but that it could organize the automobile industry only by going after its biggest and most powerful employer, General Motors Corporation,
According to several sources (NYT, Bloomberg, etc.), the 2011 UAW-GM contract calls for a $14-16/hour wage for newly hired workers. Incumbent workers make twice that rate.
The sit-down strike at General Motors (GM) lasted from December 30, 1936, to February 11, 1937, spanning a total of 44 days. This pivotal strike was organized by the United Auto Workers (UAW) and aimed to secure better working conditions and union recognition for autoworkers. The strike ultimately led to significant gains for the UAW and the establishment of collective bargaining rights in the auto industry.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) participated in the sit-down strike, most notably during the Flint sit-down strike of 1936-1937. This pivotal strike involved workers occupying General Motors plants in Michigan, demanding better working conditions and union recognition. The success of the strike helped establish the UAW as a significant force in labor relations within the automotive industry.
The highest-paid jobs within the United Auto Workers (UAW) union are typically found in skilled trades positions, such as electricians and machinists, particularly at major automotive manufacturers like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. These positions can command hourly wages exceeding $40 to $50, along with substantial benefits and overtime opportunities. Seniority and specific job roles can significantly influence overall compensation within the union.
The sit-down strike at General Motors’ Flint plant in December 1936 led to a significant victory for the United Auto Workers (UAW) and marked a turning point in labor relations in the United States. The strike effectively halted production and garnered widespread public support, ultimately forcing GM to recognize the UAW as the legitimate bargaining representative for its workers. As a result, the union secured better wages, improved working conditions, and the right to organize, influencing labor movements across the country. This event also paved the way for the expansion of labor rights and unionization efforts in various industries.