The Detroit 3 Pay Their Workers Significantly More Than Tesla

Introduction

The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike threat has come at a crucial time for the Big Three U.S. automakers as they navigate the challenging transition to electric vehicles. Interestingly, Tesla Inc. may benefit from this labor dispute, positioning itself as a potential winner. Despite facing unionizing efforts at its U.S. factories, Tesla's ability to resist such moves has allowed it to establish a dominant position in the electric vehicle market.

Impending Strike and Disagreements

As the clock ticks towards the 11:59 p.m. Eastern time contract expiration today, negotiations between UAW and Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., and Stellantis NV remain significantly apart. In preparation for a potential strike, the UAW plans targeted walkouts at the stroke of midnight if an agreement cannot be reached. It is important to note that the union has made it clear that the current contract will not be extended.

Specific Plant Targets

Late Thursday, UAW leadership announced their intention to strike GM's Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant, a section of Ford's Wayne, Mich., assembly plant, and a Stellantis plant in Toledo, Ohio if an agreement cannot be achieved. These strikes intend to compel the automakers into action.

Tesla's Advantageous Position

By successfully resisting unionization efforts at its U.S. factories, Tesla has gained a significant head start and competitive advantage in the electric vehicle space. Industry experts, like Gene Munster from Deepwater Asset Management, predict that Tesla will emerge as the ultimate victor in these labor negotiations. Munster believes that traditional automakers are facing immense difficulties in transitioning their businesses to electric vehicles and that the current UAW discussions will potentially lead to substantial cost increases, further burdening these companies.

Wage Disparity

Before factoring in any potential wage increases resulting from a strike, the Big Three U.S. automakers were already paying their workers 38% more than comparable Tesla workers. This discrepancy is expected to widen, ultimately favoring Tesla in the long run. Ford has offered a 20% increase over the four-year contract, up from its initial 9% proposal. Similarly, GM's latest offer stands at 18%, with Stellantis offering 17.5%. On the other hand, the union is pushing for wage increases of approximately 36% over the contract's duration, compared to their initial demand of 46% on an annual compounded basis.

In conclusion, the current labor strife between the UAW and the Big Three U.S. automakers presents an opportunity for Tesla to solidify its position in the EV market while traditional automakers struggle with their transition. The wage disparities between the Detroit 3 and Tesla further emphasize the potential advantage the electric vehicle manufacturer holds.

The Challenge of Making EVs Profitable for Automakers

Struggles of Ford, GM, and Stellantis in the EV Market

Ford, GM, and Stellantis have encountered numerous challenges in their pursuit of profitable electric vehicles (EVs). The profitability of compact EVs, such as Chevy Bolt, has been particularly thin, leading GM to temporarily halt its production. However, in a bid to improve profit margins, GM plans to reintroduce the Bolt in the future using a shared EV architecture.

Moody's Investors Service Cautions About the Impact on EV Ambitions

Moody's Investors Service has warned about the potential impact of a labor strike on the automakers' EV ambitions. While all three companies possess sufficient liquidity to withstand a strike, an extended labor action could impede the realization of their EV goals. Moody's predicts that the new contract with the United Automobile Workers (UAW) could result in pay increases of up to 20%, although significantly lower than what the workers are demanding.

Additionally, EV production plans would face setbacks if a strike occurs. For instance, GM aims to manufacture approximately 100,000 EVs in the second half of the year, doubling its output from the first half. Moody's underlines that a strike may compromise the production of GM's recently launched electric models, many of which have yet to be built.

Ford's Targeted Production Run Rate for F-150 Lightning

Ford has its own objectives in the EV market. By the end of the fourth quarter, the company aims to achieve an annualized production run rate of 100,000 F-150 Lightnings—the electric version of its popular F-150 pickup truck. This target signifies impressive progress considering the production volume of 24,000 units in the first quarter.

Potential Consequences of a Prolonged Strike on EV Transformations

If a strike extends beyond four weeks, it could greatly impact the EV ambitions of both GM and Ford, according to Wedbush analyst Dan Levy. This delay would undermine crucial aspects of the initial EV push, hampering their transformation plans. Levy emphasizes that GM and Ford are in the nascent stages of an extensive EV transformation that will shape their future success. The rising costs and complexities they face underscore the importance of overcoming the challenges posed by a potential strike.