UAW Pay Scale 2023 [ Average Hourly Wages ]

If you are interested in working in the auto industry, you may have heard of the United Auto Workers (UAW), the union that represents about 146,000 workers at the Big Three automakers: Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. UAW workers enjoy many benefits, such as health insurance, pensions, job security and the right to strike. But how much do they actually make and how can you become one? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.

UAW Pay Scale in 2023

The average hourly pay for a UAW worker in the United States is $18.54 as of September 2021. This translates to an annual salary of $38,564. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the company, location, experience level and job title.

The minimum wage for a UAW worker is determined by the collective bargaining agreement between the union and the automaker. The current contract expires on September 14, 2021, and the UAW is demanding a 46% pay increase over the duration of a four-year contract. This would raise the top hourly wage to about $47 per hour, or $97,760 per year.

The maximum wage for a UAW worker depends on the skill level and seniority of the worker. For example, a journeyman electrician at GM can earn up to $36.41 per hour, or $75,728 per year. A production team leader at Ford can earn up to $40.67 per hour, or $84,593 per year.

UAW Worker Salary: How Much Do They Make Per Week and Month?

Based on the average hourly pay of $18.54, a UAW worker can make about $741.60 per week and $3,213.60 per month. However, these numbers can change depending on the number of hours worked, overtime pay and bonuses.

If a UAW worker goes on strike, they are eligible to receive $100 per day Monday through Friday from the union’s strike fund². This means they can make up to $500 per week and $2,000 per month while on strike. However, they also lose some benefits, such as dental, vision and sick pay.

How to Apply for UAW Jobs?

There are two main ways to apply for UAW jobs: either contact the UAW Organizing Department and discuss your needs or apply directly to the automaker or other company affiliated with the union.

If you choose the first option, you can visit the UAW website¹⁹ and fill out an online form or call 1-800-2GET-UAW. You will be connected with a union representative who will guide you through the process of joining a union.

If you choose the second option, you can visit the career website of the automaker or other company you are interested in and look for vacancies under Production and Skilled Trades. You will need to register for an account and submit your resume and application online. You may also need to pass a background check, a drug test and an aptitude test.

How to Become a UAW Worker?

To become a UAW worker, you need to meet certain requirements depending on the type of job you are applying for. Generally speaking, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years old and be legally authorized to work in the United States.

For production workers, you also need to have some experience in manufacturing or related fields, be able to lift and carry heavy objects, operate machinery and follow instructions.

For skilled trades workers, such as electricians, mechanics or welders, you also need to have a professional license or certification in your field, have several years of work experience and participate in ongoing training as needed.

Some UAW jobs may also require you to complete an apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training. The UAW-Ford Joint Apprentice Program, for example, prepares individuals to become certified skilled tradespersons in various fields.

UAW Worker Benefits

UAW workers enjoy many benefits that are negotiated by the union with the employer. Some of these benefits include:

• Health insurance: UAW workers have access to comprehensive health care coverage that covers medical, dental, vision and prescription drugs.
• Pensions: UAW workers have defined benefit pensions that provide them with a guaranteed monthly income after retirement.
• Job security: UAW workers have protection from layoffs, plant closures and outsourcing through various provisions in their contract.
• Profit sharing: UAW workers receive a share of their employer’s profits based on their performance and profitability.
• Vacation time: UAW workers have paid vacation time that increases with their seniority.
• Cost-of-living adjustments: UAW workers have periodic increases in their wages based on changes in the consumer price index.
• Strike pay: UAW workers have access to the union’s strike fund that provides them with financial assistance in case of a strike.

Conclusion

UAW workers are among the most well-paid and well-protected workers in the auto industry. They have a strong union that advocates for their rights and interests. However, they also face challenges and uncertainties as the industry shifts to electric vehicles and new technologies. If you are interested in becoming a UAW worker, you need to apply for a job with a unionized employer and meet the requirements for your desired position.

Most Asked Questions and Answers

Q: What is the UAW?

A: The UAW is the United Auto Workers, a labor union that represents about 146,000 workers at the Big Three automakers: Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.

Q: How much do UAW workers make?

A: The average hourly pay for a UAW worker in the United States is $18.54 as of September 2022. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the company, location, experience level and job title. The minimum wage for a UAW worker is determined by the collective bargaining agreement between the union and the automaker. The maximum wage for a UAW worker depends on the skill level and seniority of the worker.

Q: How do I apply for a UAW job?

A: There are two main ways to apply for a UAW job: either contact the UAW Organizing Department and discuss your needs or apply directly to the automaker or other company affiliated with the union.

Q: How do I become a UAW worker?

A: To become a UAW worker, you need to meet certain requirements depending on the type of job you are applying for. Generally speaking, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years old and be legally authorized to work in the United States. For production workers, you also need to have some experience in manufacturing or related fields. For skilled trades workers, you also need to have a professional license or certification in your field.

Q: What are the benefits of being a UAW worker?

A: UAW workers enjoy many benefits that are negotiated by the union with the employer. Some of these benefits include health insurance, pensions, job security, profit sharing, vacation time, cost-of-living adjustments and strike pay.

Q: What are the challenges of being a UAW worker?

A: UAW workers face challenges and uncertainties as the auto industry shifts to electric vehicles and new technologies. They may have to adapt to new skills and roles or face competition from non-unionized workers or foreign automakers.

Q: What is the current status of the UAW contract negotiations?

A: The current UAW contracts expire on September 14, 2021, and the union is demanding a 46% pay increase over the duration of a four-year contract. The automakers have rejected this proposal and offered lower wage increases and bonuses. The negotiations are ongoing and may result in a strike if no agreement is reached by the deadline.

Q: How long can a UAW strike last?

A: A UAW strike can last as long as it takes for the union and the employer to reach an agreement or until one side gives up. The longest UAW strike in history lasted 67 days in 1970 against General Motors. The most recent UAW strike lasted 40 days in 2019 against General Motors.

Q: How does a UAW strike affect consumers?

A: A UAW strike can affect consumers by reducing the supply and increasing the prices of new vehicles from the affected automakers. It can also disrupt the supply chain and affect other industries that depend on auto parts or services.

Q: How does a UAW strike affect the economy?

A: A UAW strike can affect the economy by reducing the income and spending of the striking workers and their families. It can also reduce the profits and taxes of the affected automakers and their suppliers. It can also have spillover effects on other sectors that rely on auto demand or production. A prolonged or widespread strike can cause significant losses to GDP and employment.