The UAW wants higher pay, an end to tiered wages, better benefits, and more job protections. In recent bargaining, it has also pushed for shorter workweeks, restored COLA raises, stronger retiree benefits, and limits on temporary work.

Quick Scoop

Here’s the core of what the UAW has been asking for in auto negotiations:

  • Big wage increases — recent UAW bargaining materials and coverage describe demands for double-digit raises, with earlier asks reported as high as 46% over the contract term.
  • End tiered pay — the union wants to eliminate the two-tier wage system so newer workers are not paid much less than veterans for similar work.
  • Restore cost-of-living adjustments — UAW has pushed to bring back COLA so pay keeps up with inflation.
  • Better hours and time off — it has asked for a 32-hour workweek for 40 hours’ pay, plus more paid time off.
  • Pensions and retiree benefits — the union wants defined-benefit pensions and stronger retiree medical coverage.
  • More worker protections — this includes limits on temp workers, stronger rights around plant closings, and community protections if plants shut down.

Why it matters

The UAW argues these demands are meant to close the gap between worker pay and company profits, especially after years of wage stagnation and inflation pressure. Public UAW materials also frame the fight as part of a broader push for working-class power and higher living standards.

In plain English

If you mean the UAW in auto talks, the short answer is: they want workers to be paid more, treated more equally, and given more security.

TL;DR: higher wages, no tiers, restored COLA, better benefits, shorter hours, and stronger job security.