The switch to electric cars is a key issue in the auto-workers' strike that's now begun

at three locations.

I'm David Brancaccio, with contract negotiations ongoing, the United Auto Workers' Union

is now on strike.

For the first time, it's against all of the so-called big three car makers at the same time

GM, Ford and Stellantis, the Amsterdam-based company that absorbed Chrysler Jeep.

It's a limited strike at three plants wane near Detroit, Toledo, and in Wentzville, Missouri,

a narrow walk out allows room for escalation.

If negotiations remain stuck, it's a strategy that also makes the unions $825 million

fund to help compensate striking workers last much longer than the 77 days it would last

if everybody walked off the job at once.

The dispute is about wages and benefits, but it's also about the future of a changing

industry.

Mr. Michigan will refine Eric Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School

of Business.

Good morning.

Hello, David.

Let's start with this conundrum at the White House.

President Biden calls himself the most pro-labor president in history, and he's facing pressure

to support the UAW here, but also he has responsibility for keeping the economy chugging

along.

He's going to be in the middle.

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