WASHINGTON DC (September 25, 2023) – Thousands of auto workers represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) are striking Ford, Stellantis and General Motors nationwide – the three largest auto companies in the United States - for better compensation, stronger protections and job security as the industry shifts to production of cleaner, electric vehicles (EVs). 

Recent WRI research found that the transition to EVs can be a net job creator in states like Michigan. Those positions can be good jobs if robust policies are established that put workers and auto manufacturing communities front and center. Collective bargaining and unionization are critical tools to ensure workers benefit and no communities are left behind as the industry shifts to EV manufacturing. In recent decades, U.S. auto workers have seen an erosion in wages and working conditions. Now, with new incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, the industry has an opportunity to boost job quality and wages for its workers. 

President Joe Biden will join auto workers on the picket line in Michigan on September 26. 

Following is a statement from Dan Lashof, Director, United States, World Resources Institute:

“Auto workers are the backbone of the American auto industry, and without its workforce, the United States would not be the global vehicle manufacturing powerhouse that it is today.

“Electric vehicles can transform the automotive industry in the United States and deliver cost-cutting benefits and cleaner transportation for all Americans. To fully achieve the promise of the electric vehicle future, autoworkers also need to be able to prosper from this seismic shift in their industry. 

“Transitioning as quickly as possible to electric vehicles is critical to ensuring the United States remains competitive in the global automotive market and to help meet the nation’s climate goals. Workers and communities must not be left behind in this revolution.”