UAW Strike inflicts nearly $4 billion in losses, analysis shows

Picketers aim for peaceful tone as UAW strike continues

As tensions rise on some picket lines and the dialogue between the UAW and the automakers grows more acrimonious, workers are aiming to stay peaceful while marching.

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The economic damage from the ongoing autoworkers union strike is coming into focus with an assessment of the first two weeks of picketing leading to billions of dollars in losses.

According to East Lansing-based firm Anderson Economic Group, the UAW's "Stand Up" Strike has cost $3.95 billion, including more than a billion in losses for the Detroit Big Three.

The UAW strike has stretched into its third week, with 25,000 workers having walked off the job since Sept. 21.

In an analysis of the strike's fiscal impacts, AEG said the second week was costlier than the first week after suppliers in 20 states stopped operating after being called on by the UAW president.

"Suppliers were particularly hard-hit by the UAW’s strategy of announcing specific plants to be struck just hours before they were shut down," said AEG CEO Patrick Anderson. "The shutdown of 38 parts distributions centers also crimped dealership service operations and, of course, caused more UAW workers to lose wages."

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More than 2,000 autoworkers at Delta Township Assembly were called upon to take to the picket lines Friday in the latest phase of the UAW strike. They make the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse there.

The strikes at parts distribution buildings wounded many of the companies that are tangentially connected to the auto industry. Anderson said that meant dealerships, customers, and other suppliers building parts for a vehicle that can't be assembled.

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As the effects ripple further, hitting not just the manufacturer but consumers is when Americans' support for the strike could diminish, Anderson said.

The firm also predicted even costlier measures against Ford after it was spared in the first round of additional strikes before being targeted at its Chicago Assembly plant last week.

Here's how the costs break down: