The Teamsters, also known as the truck drivers who deliver vehicles to auto dealers, plan to strike alongside the United Auto Workers union, potentially dealing a great blow to GM, Ford, and Stellantis.
The strike, set to start at midnight on Thursday, would prevent the automakers from receiving vehicles delivered to them by the Teamsters. The UAW has filed unfair labor practice charges against the automakers in an attempt to negotiate over unfair wages and pensions.
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"We are 100% supportive of UAW workers and Shawn Fain's positions," said Kevin Moore, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 299. "Our Teamsters will not cross strike lines."
Moore said that he understands the "struggles" and "issues" of UAW members and their fight for higher pay, adding that their underpayment has been "going on for years." With the UAW's strike, he said he understands why the workers are "trying to bring parity" to their work group.
"What good is it for us to deliver goods and services to companies when they have workers fighting for their pay and their conditions?" Moore said. "We have to show support."
UAW has raised the prospect of conducting strikes at auto plants in Michigan if a deal is not met before their deadline. Targeted strikes involve work stoppages at certain local plants instead of at a national level. With a targeted strike, the UAW could extend the time it has to pressure automakers before exhausting its $825 million strike fund.
Last week, UAW President Shawn Fain rejected an offer from General Motors, which included a 10% wage increase, along with two additional 3% annual lump sum payments over the course of four years in an attempt to avoid an impending strike from the auto industry. In rejecting the offer, Fain described it as "insulting."
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Earlier this month, President Joe Biden dismissed concerns regarding a strike, stating he does not believe "it’s going to happen.” The president has struggled to secure endorsements for his 2024 reelection bid from the UAW, which endorsed him in 2020.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has been vocal in his support for the UAW during the negotiation process and is slated to appear at a rally alongside Fain on Friday.