MEMBERS of the United Autoworkers Union in the United States met on Saturday in preparation for strike action against the Big Three car makers.

Union members held a strike rally picnic in Lima, Ohio, as they geared up to take on the bosses over a new contract.

And reporting back to thousands of union members on negotiations with General Motors, Stellantis and Ford during a live Facebook meeting on Friday, union president Shawn Fain told members: “We are living in a golden era for the Big Three,” who were “not listening or taking the union seriously.

“We are now 14 days out from our contract expiration and both General Motors and Stellantis have failed to give us any economic counters.”

Mr Fain said that the motor giants’ wilful refusal to bargain in good faith is not only insulting and counterproductive, but also illegal. The UAW had filed unfair labour practice charges against both GM and Stellantis with the National Labour Relations Board. 

Nevertheless, he said: “Our strongest line of defence is each other and our ability to take collective action.”