"UAW Expands Strikes as GM and Ford Clash with Union"

The CEOs of General Motors (GM) and Ford criticized United Auto Workers (UAW) leaders as the union expanded its strikes, now involving about 25,000 workers. UAW chief Shawn Fain ordered workers to walk off the job at Ford's Chicago assembly plant and GM's Lansing, Michigan, assembly plant. The CEOs accused the union of hindering negotiations, while the UAW responded that the CEOs had not attended bargaining sessions. The companies and the union remain far apart on key economic issues, with the UAW demanding 40% pay hikes over a four-year contract, while the companies have offered about 20%. The strikes are putting a strain on the UAW's strike fund, costing the union over $12 million per week.