On Sept. 15, the United Auto Workers (UAW) launched a “Stand Up Strike,” against Detroit’s Big Three automakers — marking the first time in history that the union is striking against all three domestic auto giants.
The labor union, representing close to 150,000 workers in American vehicle manufacturing companies, has been actively involved in labor negotiations with the Big Three since July. Their demands include higher wages, a 32-hour work week, improved pension benefits, and the elimination of tiered compensation.
Local and national leaders, including Bernie Sanders and President Joe Biden, have made trips to Michigan during the ongoing strike in support of UAW workers and suppliers. Former president Donald Trump also visited Macomb County to speak at a non-union auto plant.
The current strike is far from the first one against the Big Three though, as UAW employees have been gathering to fight for better conditions for decades. Here’s a timeline of photos from 1936 through 1982 showcasing an array of 20th-century UAW strikes and prominent events in Detroit.
