United Auto Workers Strike Against General Motors for Fair Treatment, 2019
Summary
In 2019, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union led a strike of approximately 49,000 workers against General Motors (GM) across 50 locations in the United States, demanding better pay, job security, and fair treatment. [source: nv-database] The strike lasted from 15 September to 25 October 2019, and resulted in a new four-year contract that included wage increases, bonuses, and investment commitments from GM. [source: nv-database]
Tactics used
Background
After the 2008 recession, UAW workers agreed to wage and benefit cuts to help save General Motors from bankruptcy. By 2019, GM had earned $35 billion in North America, but workers still faced low wages and job insecurity, while GM announced plans to close five factories and cut 14,000 jobs.
What happened
Lead photo. — Wikimedia Commons contributor (CC BY-SA 4.0). Source: united-auto-workers-strike-against-general-motors-for-fair.jpg
On 15 September 2019, after contract negotiations failed, the UAW called a strike, shutting down 33 manufacturing plants and 22 parts warehouses across nine states, with about 49,000 workers walking off the job and forming picket lines [source: nv-database]. GM responded by withdrawing health insurance from striking workers on 17 September, but reversed this decision on 26 September after public backlash [source: nv-database]. The strike received support from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who refused to transport GM vehicles, and from Democratic presidential candidates who joined picket lines [source: nv-database]. The strike ended on 25 October 2019 after a new four-year contract was ratified, which included an $11,000 bonus for UAW workers, shortened time to reach top pay, increased opportunities for temporary workers, and $7.7 billion in GM investment to create or retain 9,000 jobs [source: nv-database]. As a concession, the UAW agreed to the closure of three plants [source: nv-database].
Key people & organizations
- International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) [source: nv-database]
- General Motors [source: nv-database]
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters [source: nv-database]
- Elizabeth Warren [source: nv-database]
- Joe Biden [source: nv-database]
- Bernie Sanders [source: nv-database]
- Amy Klobuchar [source: nv-database]
- Tim Ryan [source: nv-database]
- Terry Dittes [source: nv-database]
- Mary Barra [source: nv-database]
Outcome
Verdict: won.
The UAW achieved 6 out of 6 points for success in specific demands, including wage raises, bonuses, and job security commitments, though three plants were closed as a concession. The strike was the longest since 1998 and demonstrated strong union mobilization. [source: nv-database]
Lessons
- A strike can be effective when combined with broad coalition support from other unions and political allies.
- Withholding health insurance as a response can backfire and increase public sympathy for strikers [source: nv-database]
- Clear communication of demands and sustained picketing can maintain pressure during long negotiations [source: nv-database]
Sources
Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.
Sources & verification
nv-database— grounding: primary — license: link-only- Rewritten: 2026-06-25 via
worker_casestudies_v2.py