UAW hits the picket lines; 12700 on strike

The United Auto Workers union today launched simultaneous strikes at three factories owned by General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler parent Stellantis, kicking off the most ambitious U.S. industrial labor action in decades.

The walkouts at the Detroit Three will halt production of the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck, along with other popular models, though the action was smaller than some expected, with roughly 12,700 workers striking at the outset.

The action caps weeks of clashes between the union and Detroit Three executives over union demands for a bigger share of profits generated by combustion trucks, and stronger job security as automakers shift to electric vehicle.