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A few days after his election, Fain told the automakers that the UAW was "fed up with the status quo".<ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Joseph |last2=Shepardson |first2=David |last3=White |first3=Joseph |date=2023-03-27 |title=New UAW leader tells automakers: 'Our membership is fed up' |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-auto-union-leader-promises-fight-get-workers-fair-share-2023-03-27/ |access-date=2023-09-15}}</ref> During 2023 contract renegotiations, Fain has advocated for an immediate wage increase of 20% for workers followed by yearly gradual increases for a total of 46%, which he claims is in line with CEO wage increases. The UAW has since lowered the demanded increase to 36%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-15 |title=How much do UAW workers make? What to know about today’s strikes. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/15/uaw-strike-average-workers-wages/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/2023.09.15-170029/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/15/uaw-strike-average-workers-wages/ |archive-date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref> Fain is also calling for the end of tiered employment, and the roll-back of concessions made by the UAW during the [[2007–2008 financial crisis|2007-2008 financial crisis]], including the reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments and robust pensions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kay |first=Danielle |date=September 15, 2023 |title=The UAW launches a historic strike against all Big 3 automakers |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/09/15/1199673197/uaw-strike-big-3-automakers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230915064311/https://www.npr.org/2023/09/15/1199673197/uaw-strike-big-3-automakers |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |website=NPR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vlasic |first=Bill |date=2008-12-03 |title=U.A.W. Makes Concessions to Help Automakers |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/business/04auto.html |access-date=2023-09-15 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Fain's hard line stance during contract renegotiations contributed to the union's decision to begin the 2023 United Auto Workers strike on September 15.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-09-14 |title=Everything you need to know about the potential UAW strike |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/what-know-uaw-strike-auto-companies-ford-general-motors-rcna103725 |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> It's the first time in the UAW's 88-year history that the union has launched a simultaneous strike against the [[Big Three (automobile manufacturers)|Big Three]] automakers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-15 |title=Workers strike at all 3 Detroit automakers, a new tactic to squeeze companies for better pay |url=https://apnews.com/article/auto-uaw-workers-strike-gm-ford-stellantis-7ce3ca9d94b911250d07556b7af376c7 |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
A few days after his election, Fain told the automakers that the UAW was "fed up with the status quo".<ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Joseph |last2=Shepardson |first2=David |last3=White |first3=Joseph |date=2023-03-27 |title=New UAW leader tells automakers: 'Our membership is fed up' |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-auto-union-leader-promises-fight-get-workers-fair-share-2023-03-27/ |access-date=2023-09-15}}</ref> During 2023 contract renegotiations, Fain has advocated for an immediate wage increase of 20% for workers followed by yearly gradual increases for a total of 46%, which he claims is in line with CEO wage increases. The UAW has since lowered the demanded increase to 36%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-15 |title=How much do UAW workers make? What to know about today’s strikes. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/15/uaw-strike-average-workers-wages/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/2023.09.15-170029/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/15/uaw-strike-average-workers-wages/ |archive-date=2023-09-15 |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref> Fain is also calling for the end of tiered employment, and the roll-back of concessions made by the UAW during the [[2007–2008 financial crisis|2007-2008 financial crisis]], including the reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments and robust pensions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kay |first=Danielle |date=September 15, 2023 |title=The UAW launches a historic strike against all Big 3 automakers |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/09/15/1199673197/uaw-strike-big-3-automakers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230915064311/https://www.npr.org/2023/09/15/1199673197/uaw-strike-big-3-automakers |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |website=NPR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vlasic |first=Bill |date=2008-12-03 |title=U.A.W. Makes Concessions to Help Automakers |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/business/04auto.html |access-date=2023-09-15 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Fain's hard line stance during contract renegotiations contributed to the union's decision to begin the 2023 United Auto Workers strike on September 15.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-09-14 |title=Everything you need to know about the potential UAW strike |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/what-know-uaw-strike-auto-companies-ford-general-motors-rcna103725 |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> It's the first time in the UAW's 88-year history that the union has launched a simultaneous strike against the [[Big Three (automobile manufacturers)|Big Three]] automakers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-15 |title=Workers strike at all 3 Detroit automakers, a new tactic to squeeze companies for better pay |url=https://apnews.com/article/auto-uaw-workers-strike-gm-ford-stellantis-7ce3ca9d94b911250d07556b7af376c7 |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>


Fain has garnered significant attention for his unorthodox approach to organizing, with analyst Daniel Ives telling [[Reuters]], "This is not your grandfather's UAW...Fain is playing this like a chess player. He's leading 21st century negotiations for unions".<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Flowers |first=Bianca |last2=Flowers |first2=Bianca |date=2023-09-09 |title=UAW union embraces social media as labor talks toughen ahead of deadline |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-union-embraces-social-media-labor-talks-toughen-ahead-deadline-2023-09-09/ |access-date=2023-09-16}}</ref> Fain has embraced social media platforms during the negotiations, publishing short form documentary style videos.<ref name=":1"/> He appears in frequent Facebook Lives where he directly addresses UAW members, quoting from the Bible and Malcolm X.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Joseph |last2=White |first2=Joseph |date=2023-09-14 |title=Auto union chief Shawn Fain quotes Malcolm X, shines on Facebook as takes on Detroit Three |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/auto-union-chief-shawn-fain-quotes-malcolm-x-shines-facebook-takes-detroit-three-2023-09-14/ |access-date=2023-09-18}}</ref> In a livestream from early August 2023, Fain can be seen throwing an offer from automaker [[Stellantis]] into a waste basket, stating: "That's where it belongs - in the trash - because that's what it is".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=2023-08-09 |title=UAW calls Stellantis contract offer 'trash' |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-says-chrysler-parent-stellantis-seeking-concessions-talks-2023-08-08/ |access-date=2023-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Live Update {{!}} Live Update UAW President Shawn Fain Live Stream Update 8/8/23 from Detroit, MI {{!}} By UAW International Union {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/uaw.union/videos/live-update/2672183916277760/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref>. The September strikes are so far proving effective, and should give employers second thoughts.<ref>{{Cite news |title=»Vi bruger en ny strategi«: Tusindvis af ansatte i usædvanlig strejke på tre store amerikanske bilfabrikker |url=https://politiken.dk/udland/art9529771/Tusindvis-af-ansatte-i-usædvanlig-strejke-på-tre-store-amerikanske-bilfabrikker}}</ref>
Fain has garnered significant attention for his unorthodox approach to organizing, with analyst Daniel Ives telling [[Reuters]], "This is not your grandfather's UAW...Fain is playing this like a chess player. He's leading 21st century negotiations for unions".<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Flowers |first=Bianca |last2=Flowers |first2=Bianca |date=2023-09-09 |title=UAW union embraces social media as labor talks toughen ahead of deadline |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-union-embraces-social-media-labor-talks-toughen-ahead-deadline-2023-09-09/ |access-date=2023-09-16}}</ref> Fain has embraced social media platforms during the negotiations, publishing short form documentary style videos.<ref name=":1"/> He appears in frequent Facebook Lives where he directly addresses UAW members, quoting from the Bible and Malcolm X.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Joseph |last2=White |first2=Joseph |date=2023-09-14 |title=Auto union chief Shawn Fain quotes Malcolm X, shines on Facebook as takes on Detroit Three |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/auto-union-chief-shawn-fain-quotes-malcolm-x-shines-facebook-takes-detroit-three-2023-09-14/ |access-date=2023-09-18}}</ref> In a livestream from early August 2023, Fain can be seen throwing an offer from automaker [[Stellantis]] into a waste basket, stating: "That's where it belongs - in the trash - because that's what it is".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=2023-08-09 |title=UAW calls Stellantis contract offer 'trash' |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-says-chrysler-parent-stellantis-seeking-concessions-talks-2023-08-08/ |access-date=2023-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Live Update {{!}} Live Update UAW President Shawn Fain Live Stream Update 8/8/23 from Detroit, MI {{!}} By UAW International Union {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/uaw.union/videos/live-update/2672183916277760/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref>.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 19:37, 22 September 2023

Shawn Fain
Fain in 2023
15th President of the United Automobile Workers
Incumbent
Assumed office
March 26, 2023
Preceded byRay Curry
Personal details
Born
Shawn Fain

1969
Alma materTaylor High School
Occupation
  • Labor leader
  • electrician

Shawn Fain (born 1968 or 1969) is an American labor unionist who has served as president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) since 2023. An electrician by trade, he worked at a Stellantis automotive parts plant in Kokomo, Indiana. He has been a UAW member for 29 years, and held a leadership role in a local chapter of the reform group "UAW Members United".[1][2][3][4]

In 2023, Fain ran for the presidency of the union against incumbent Ray Curry, leading a slate that focused on opposing corruption, concessions and tiered pay structures.[5] In the first election in which members of the union directly elected the president, Fain won with a narrow majority, and took office in March.[6]

In office, he advocates a more aggressive negotiating style, and for the union to actively support politicians who share the union's agenda.[2][3] Fain's relative labor militancy and bargaining style contributed to the UAW's decision to authorize the 2023 United Auto Workers strike.[7]

Early life

Fain was born to Rodger Lee Fain and Stella Louise Carter in Kokomo, Indiana. He is the grandson of two UAW GM retirees. His grandfather started at Chrysler in 1937, the year Chrysler workers joined the UAW after a sit-down strike.[8][9] His father served as the police chief of the Kokomo Police Department.[10] Fain is a graduate of Taylor High School.[11]

2023 United Auto Workers strike

A few days after his election, Fain told the automakers that the UAW was "fed up with the status quo".[12] During 2023 contract renegotiations, Fain has advocated for an immediate wage increase of 20% for workers followed by yearly gradual increases for a total of 46%, which he claims is in line with CEO wage increases. The UAW has since lowered the demanded increase to 36%.[13] Fain is also calling for the end of tiered employment, and the roll-back of concessions made by the UAW during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, including the reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments and robust pensions.[14][15] Fain's hard line stance during contract renegotiations contributed to the union's decision to begin the 2023 United Auto Workers strike on September 15.[7] It's the first time in the UAW's 88-year history that the union has launched a simultaneous strike against the Big Three automakers.[16]

Fain has garnered significant attention for his unorthodox approach to organizing, with analyst Daniel Ives telling Reuters, "This is not your grandfather's UAW...Fain is playing this like a chess player. He's leading 21st century negotiations for unions".[17] Fain has embraced social media platforms during the negotiations, publishing short form documentary style videos.[17] He appears in frequent Facebook Lives where he directly addresses UAW members, quoting from the Bible and Malcolm X.[17][18] In a livestream from early August 2023, Fain can be seen throwing an offer from automaker Stellantis into a waste basket, stating: "That's where it belongs - in the trash - because that's what it is".[19][20].

References

  1. ^ Boudette, Neal (March 25, 2023). "President Is Ousted in United Auto Workers Election". New York Times.
  2. ^ a b Wayland, Michael (March 25, 2023). "Historic UAW election picks reform leader who vows more aggressive approach to auto negotiations". CNBC. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Gonyea, Don (April 7, 2023). "Newly elected United Auto Workers leader strikes militant tone ahead of contract talks". NPR. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  4. ^ "UAW President Shawn Fain". UAW. August 24, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  5. ^ Boudette, Neal E. (December 2, 2022). "United Auto Workers Appear to Rebuke Leaders in First Vote by Members". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 2, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  6. ^ Boudette, Neal E. (March 27, 2023). "United Auto Workers Usher In New Era of Leadership". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Everything you need to know about the potential UAW strike". NBC News. September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  8. ^ "UAW President Shawn Fain". UAW. August 24, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  9. ^ "UAW locals map - Mapping American Social Movements". depts.washington.edu. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  10. ^ Writer, TOM KRISHER AP Auto (March 26, 2023). "Kokomo native wins close race to lead United Auto Workers union". Kokomo Tribune. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  11. ^ "Fain-Harrison". The Kokomo Tribune. October 20, 1991. p. 12.
  12. ^ White, Joseph; Shepardson, David; White, Joseph (March 27, 2023). "New UAW leader tells automakers: 'Our membership is fed up'". Reuters. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  13. ^ "How much do UAW workers make? What to know about today's strikes". Washington Post. September 15, 2023. Archived from the original on September 15, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  14. ^ Kay, Danielle (September 15, 2023). "The UAW launches a historic strike against all Big 3 automakers". NPR. Archived from the original on September 15, 2023.
  15. ^ Vlasic, Bill (December 3, 2008). "U.A.W. Makes Concessions to Help Automakers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  16. ^ "Workers strike at all 3 Detroit automakers, a new tactic to squeeze companies for better pay". AP News. September 15, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  17. ^ a b c Flowers, Bianca; Flowers, Bianca (September 9, 2023). "UAW union embraces social media as labor talks toughen ahead of deadline". Reuters. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  18. ^ White, Joseph; White, Joseph (September 14, 2023). "Auto union chief Shawn Fain quotes Malcolm X, shines on Facebook as takes on Detroit Three". Reuters. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  19. ^ Shepardson, David (August 9, 2023). "UAW calls Stellantis contract offer 'trash'". Reuters. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  20. ^ "Live Update | Live Update UAW President Shawn Fain Live Stream Update 8/8/23 from Detroit, MI | By UAW International Union | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
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