How the historic UAW strike against automakers could impact consumers

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The United Auto Workers union is on strike, demanding better compensation for workers from three big companies. 

Those are General Motors, Ford and Stellantis.  Experts say this is a historic strike, as it’s the first one against all three big automakers.

“This time is unusual in that they’re doing a very kind of targeted strike at all three at the same time,” said Steven Willborn, a University of Nebraska law professor who specializes in labor law.  

Usually, the union will only target one of the three companies. 

Workers are asking for better pay and protection from automation.

“They’re also worried about new technologies that might mean that the company needs fewer workers,” Willborn said.  

So far, no one knows for sure how the strike could affect inventory sales.

“It’s hard to say right now,” Willborn said. “There might not be much impact if it settles pretty quickly. There could be serious disruptions and availability of cars if it spirals out of control.” 

Some experts say buying a car could get more expensive. Even local used car dealerships can be affected. 

“We’re going to have a harder time trying to find quality inventory at a reasonable price that we can pass along to the costumer,” Scott McMahon, general manager at Quest Auto Sales in Omaha, told KMTV.

But not all production will stop immediately, and not all autoworkers are on strike.

Some GM, Ford and Stellantis plants are still operating, and companies like Toyota, BMW and Tesla are also making vehicles in the U.S.