Strike against US automakers causes $3.95B worth of losses in 2 weeks: Report

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - A strike by members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) against American automakers resulted in $3.95 billion in total economic losses in the first two weeks, according to a report released Monday.

The big three manufacturers -- General Motors, Ford and Chrysler parent Stellantis -- lost $1.12 billion, said Michigan economic consulting firm Anderson Economic Group (AEG).

The dealer and customer losses are at $1.2 billion, while direct wages lost stand at $325 million and supplier losses amounted to $1.29 billion, it added.

The figures do not include plant closures, additional strike targets, or layoffs taking effect on or after Sept. 29, it noted.

"Suppliers were particularly hard-hit by the UAW’s strategy of announcing specific plants to be struck just hours before they were shut down," Patrick Anderson, AEG’s principal and CEO, said in a statement.

"The shutdown of 38 parts distribution centers also crimped dealership service operations and, of course, caused more UAW workers to lose wages," he said.

Anderson added that when distribution centers were shut down, the strike’s impact spread to dealers, customers and additional suppliers, noting that none of them are parties to the strike negotiations.