Detroit Today: A conservative perspective on the UAW strikes

Stephen Delie, director of labor policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, shares what he thinks is a fair deal for UAW members.

Auto workers picket outside Ford's assembly plant on Sept. 15, 2023, in Wayne, Mich.

Auto workers picket outside Ford's assembly plant on Sept. 15, 2023, in Wayne, Mich.

With the United Auto Workers union demanding major concessions from Detroit’s Big Three automakers and the UAW approaching week three of continued strikes, some conservative thinkers are questioning whether the union is asking for too much, and at great cost to the economy.

Stephen Delie, director of labor policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy – a free market think tank – who recently wrote a piece in the National Review titled, “The UAW Might Drive The Big Three Off A Cliff,” joined Detroit Today on Monday to discuss what the strike means for automakers, how the strikes are impacting the economy, and what he thinks is a fair deal for UAW members.


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Guest:

Stephen Delie is a director of labor policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a free market think tank. He recently wrote a piece in the National Review titled, “The UAW Might Drive The Big Three Off A Cliff.” He asks the question, is this the time for the UAW strikers to be cautious in the midst of the transition to electric vehicles? 

“As we get fewer and fewer gas powered vehicles and more and more electric,” says Delie, “Unless people start buying electric cars and unless manufacturers can make them at a profitable price then there is no more manufacturer.”

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    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.