UAW goes on strike against Detroit's Big Three automakers

I wrote "the threat of an auto workers strike is a local story with national implications" on Labor Day. That strike has begun, as WDIV reported UAW launches historic strike against Detroit's Big Three automakers.

For the first time in history, the United Auto Workers union has called for a simultaneous strike at each of Detroit’s Big Three automakers after the groups failed to come to an agreement before this year’s contract deadline.

Two things impressed me, the resolve of the strikers and the big show the automakers made that they have been negotiating and making what they see as good offers. The first compares well with SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes; the writers and actors have shown great resolve on the picket lines. The second is a welcome contrast to the studios, who have made only token efforts to offer acceptable contracts. The automakers want to keep making cars and trucks while keeping their workforce satisfied. The studios seem to want to starve the writers and actors into submission. You can tell which industry's management I like better.

CNBC Television compared the UAW strike to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in UAW members go on strike at three key auto plants after deal deadline passes.

CNBC's Phil LeBeau joins 'Squawk Box' with the latest news.

Phil LeBeau noted the strikers' resolve as well along with the popular support for the strike. Both of those bode well for the UAW. They also discussed the transition to EVs, which is going more slowly than hoped, and how the strike is likely to impede that technological change even more. I'm not happy about that, as I'm in favor of EVs. However, sustainability is a balancing act, which is why I wrote "May people not suffer so that the planet and profit thrive" on Labor Day. Here's to maintaining that balance.

There will be no negotiations until Monday, so I plan on returning to the strike next week. Until then, stay tuned for more posts about News and Documentary Emmy Awards over the weekend.