Steel Markets

UAW Workers Strike Parts Supplier ZF's Plant in Alabama
Written by Ethan Bernard
September 20, 2023
United Auto Workers (UAW) union members have gone on strike against at a parts supplier to Mercedes-Benz in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, UAW said on Wednesday that “190 workers at ZF in Tuscaloosa are now on strike for a fair contract.”
A global auto supplier, ZF is based in Friedrichshafen, Germany. It has locations around the world, including in the US.
The UAW said workers at ZF, members of UAW Local 2083, supply front axles to a Mercedes plant located nearby. It said they “have been fighting for a fair contract that ends tiers, raises wages, and provides decent health care.”
Workers voted down a contract from ZF on Tuesday, according to a UAW statement.
ZF said the plant in Tuscaloosa would operate while talks with the union continue, according to a report at Reuters.
The strike at ZF comes as the UAW is also on strike against all of the Detroit Three automakers in actions that targets specific plants across Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. The union said the strike could expand on Friday at noon if a new labor deal is not reached with the auto companies.
Mercedes-Benz USA did not return a request for comment by time of publication.

Ethan Bernard
Read more from Ethan BernardLatest in Steel Markets

Global steel production inches up, China’s falls in October
Global steel output inched higher from September to October, even as production declined in China, the World Steel Association (worldsteel) said in its latest monthly report.

October US housing starts inch higher but remain down on-year
US housing starts crept higher for a second consecutive month in October. Starts were lower, however than the same month last year, according to the most recent data from the US Census Bureau.
Imports Fall in September, But Flat Rolled at Three-Month High
The decline in imports from August to September was more pronounced than license applications suggested earlier this month.
Final Thoughts
The first rule of Steel 101 is that you’re free to talk about Steel 101. We actually encourage it. Last week on Tuesday and Wednesday, SMU’s Steel 101 was held in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

SMU Survey: Buyers Sentiment Indices Rise
SMU’s Current and Future Steel Buyers Sentiment Indices both increased this week, based on our most recent survey data. Every other week we poll steel buyers about sentiment. The Steel Buyers Sentiment Indices measure how steel buyers feel about their company’s chances of success in the current market, as well as three to six months down the road. We have historical data going back to 2008. Check our interactive graphing tool here.