SUMMARY
The United Auto Workers launched a strike on September 15, the first time it began a strike by picketing against the three big automakers simultaneously. The union, under new leadership, has also changed its traditional approach to a walkout by starting with a shot on the production of popular truck models. Automakers say the workers' demands will endanger their ability to compete.
For a transcript of this story, click here (this is an abbreviated transcript; we are going to upload full transcript shortly).
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM UP QUESTIONS
- Who are the United Auto Workers?
- How many autoworkers walked off the job to begin the strike?
- Why are autoworkers using a new strategy in labor negotiations?
- What are ways that both the union and car companies have described their disagreement?
- Where are most automakers in the U.S. located?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Whose arguments for and against the strike did you find most persuasive? Why?
Media Literacy: Of the entire cost of a car, labor amounts to just 5%, and the average employee at the big 3 auto companies actually earn $18-32 an hour (not the higher numbers cited in the news media). Why do you think more news outlets do not include these facts in their reporting?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
FOR MORE
What students can do:
Have students read or watch at least 3 different recaps by NewsHour, Fox, Washington Post, TYT, CNBC, CNN, Breaking Points, and the Wall Street Journal and report back to the class. Compare how different news outlets covered the strike. What bias was present in each of the reports? Do you think the news outlets covered the topic fairly and responsibly? Explain.
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