UAW Releases Video on Anniversary of Historic "Stand Up" Strike

Today, the UAW released a video marking the first anniversary of the significant “Stand Up” strike. At midnight on September 15, 2023, thousands of workers from the Big Three automakers walked out, initiating this historic event.

Watch the video here, and the media is welcome to use the footage.

“When we went on strike on September 15, the Big Three had a combined $12 billion in new gains on the table for our union,” narrated UAW President Shawn Fain. “By the end, that amount had grown to over $23 billion.”

The video showcases the strike's success in ending wage tiers, winning COLA, securing significant raises, and protecting against plant closures.

“They told us we would never win back cost of living allowance,” Fain continued. “They said we couldn’t strike over plant closures or end wage tiers. But we did.”

The strike also led automakers to include electric vehicle battery plants in the master agreement. Ultium workers later ratified a landmark union contract at a battery plant in Lordstown, OH.

Full Transcript from President Shawn Fain

“The best thing we can do for one another is show bravery, creativity, and stand up for economic and social justice. That’s what our Stand Up Strike was about.

“2023 was the first time the UAW President refused to shake hands with company CEOs, instead shaking hands with members. We updated members directly on company proposals.

“This was our first time using a Stand Up Strike strategy. We ran the longest national contract strike at the Big Three since 1973, hitting all three companies at once.

“We had doubters and champions. Leaders and organizers. Not just people like me, but you, the workers. Members who made solidarity meaningful.

“If you had told me 30 years ago we could take on all the Big Three at once and win more in one contract than in decades, with the majority of Americans, including the President, standing with us, I wouldn’t have believed it.

“When we went on strike, the Big Three had a combined $12 billion in gains on the table for our union. By the end, it was over $23 billion.

“They said we couldn’t win back cost of living allowance or the right to strike over plant closures. They said we couldn’t end wage tiers or temporary worker status. But we did.

“They said we couldn’t win a commitment to reopen Belvidere. Now the company claims we can't enforce a contract. We will fight to make them keep their promise.

“We brought thousands of EV and battery jobs under national agreements, with a pathway for some Lordstown GM members to return home.

“We won $1.25 billion for current retirees, a billion more than in the last four contracts combined.

“After winning historic contracts at Ford, GM, and Stellantis, nonunion employers rushed to offer raises, which we called the UAW Bump.

“Our movement achieved a historic victory at Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with 73% voting to unionize. That’s a blowout.

“We also reclaimed our dignity as auto workers. We won a new muscle and a new chapter for the UAW. Ordinary people achieved extraordinary things. Our solidarity is our strength and hope for working-class people everywhere.”