There are about 50,000 workers at General Motors.
In 2022, General Motors made about $22 billion in profit.
That means that they could have given every worker a $100,000 raise in 2022, and they still would have had $17 billion in profit.
What’s the problem, General Motors?
Good question!
I don’t think the wage request is the sticking point in the negotiations. I believe the primary concern is the unions negotiating position for a 32 hour work week with a 40 hour pay package and how exactly that would be implemented. This would be revolutionary for the industry and the labor movement not seen since the implementation of the 40 hour work week at Ford more than 100 years ago.
I agree though that the wage and benefits requested should be a no brainer for the industry. The two sides just need to come up with a creative way to reach agreement on the above request. I think this would have enormous benefits to society and the economy as a whole.