Kathmandu— Members of the United Auto Workers union are currently participating in an election by mail ballot for their top officers, with ballots having been distributed on August 21 and due back by October 5. The election centers around whether current President Shawn Fain, who gained prominence leading the 2023 'stand-up strike' against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, will be able to continue a shift in the union’s approach away from collaboration with employers. This marks only the second time in the UAW’s ninety-one year history that members are directly electing their top leadership.

Membership Drive for Change

The election is seen by many within the UAW as a crucial moment to solidify recent gains and maintain momentum toward reform. William Hughes, a member of UAW Local 249 at Ford Kansas City, emphasized that the vote is about preserving the union’s progress in securing benefits for its members.

Fain's Leadership on Display

Shawn Fain rose to national attention during the 2023 strike against the Big Three automakers—Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. The 'stand-up strike,' a novel strategy of targeting specific plants rather than all at once, garnered significant media coverage and ultimately led to substantial concessions from the companies.

The results of the election are expected after October 5, and will indicate whether UAW members support continuing the current direction under President Fain.

(With inputs from Jacobin)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.