For the first time in its history, the United Auto Workers union has struck all three of America’s unionized automakers at the same time.

On Friday, workers walked out of three plants – one from each of the Big Three automakers – in Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio. The picketers were cheered by union members holding signs.

During its targeted walk-off of three plants, the UAW called its action a “Stand Up Strike,” which it described as a “new approach.”

It is possible that more locals will ‘Stand Up’ and join the strike as time goes on, the union warned its members. As a result, we have maximum leverage in our fight to win a fair contract at each of the Big Three automakers.”

Strikes began at GM’s Wentzville, Missouri plant, which has 3,600 UAW workers; Ford’s Michigan Truck plant in Wayne, Michigan, where 3,300 workers will strike; and Stellantis’ Toledo Assembly complex in Ohio, where 5,800 workers will strike.

There were fewer than 13,000 walkouts among the 145,000 UAW members.

The UAW selected these carefully, reflecting its strategy of affecting a wide range of suppliers and dealers at the same time as reducing the number of UAW workers who, at least initially, are on strike and receiving strike pay,” said Patrick Anderson. Director of Anderson Economic Group.