In Detroit, the city of cars, a strike has broken out at auto parts supplier American Axle and Manufacturing. Striking autoworkers are calling for an end to a system of wage inequality that pays different wages for the same job.
The workers are members of the UAW (United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America) and are demanding an increase in wages as well as equal pay for the same type of job. According to the UAW’s Detroit-area director, Lynn Bartlett, workers in the same classification are being paid different wages, with the higher wages going to those hire more recently, and those hired prior to 2016 making significantly less.
The striking workers argue that these lower wages and unequal pay are a violation of their union contract, and are hoping that the strike will put pressure on American Axle and Manufacturing to make sure all autoworkers are paid fairly for the same job.
The impact of the wage gap in the auto industry is huge, especially in Detroit where some autoworkers are barely scraping by on wages that are too low to cover their basic needs. This strike is sending a message to automakers across the country that they should pay all workers the same wage for the same job, regardless of how long they have been employed.
Businesses should take note of the issues brought up by the striking workers and make sure that they pay each employee the same wage for doing the same job. By ending the system of unequal pay, companies can ensure fair pay and provide their workers with economic stability.