WLWT: Auto workers' strike could lead to more inflation
UC economist says consumers likely will be affected if there's a prolonged strike
The United Auto Workers are launching a “targeted” strike, which could cause new and used car prices to significantly increase, a University of Cincinnati economist told WLWT.
Michael Jones, PhD, Carl H. Lindner College of Business assistant professor of economics
The UAW called for a strike against select plants after negotiations with General Motors, Ford and Stellantis failed to reach a new contract for workers. The workers are seeking increased pay, better pensions and a 32-hour work week.
If the strike lasts longer than several days, consumers likely will feel the effects, said Michael Jones, PhD, Carl H. Lindner College of Business assistant professor of economics and academic director of the Kautz-Uible Economic Institute.
“I think you will see significant impact on prices for both new cars and used cars,” Jones said. “That's bad news for inflation after that period of time or we finally got a lot of it under control.”
Featured image at top: Factory workers working in an assembly line. Photo/gerenme via iStock
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Recent advances may speed time to endometriosis diagnosis
March 16, 2026
The average time to clinical diagnosis of endometriosis is nine years. Definitive diagnosis of the disease is difficult, and until recently, has relied on laparoscopic surgery. Now, as Medscape recently reported, novel clinical recommendations, advanced diagnostic tools and research into inflammation and immune responses, are bringing promise that women with endometriosis will find relief sooner and without surgery, according to experts, including Katie Burns, PhD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine associate professor.
Position-specific helmets may not improve protection
March 16, 2026
Local 12 highlighted a new study by biomedical engineering researchers that looked at how well new football helmets protected players from impacts that can cause concussions.
UC biologist talks about 'pearmageddon'
March 16, 2026
WLWT talks to UC biologist and Department Head Theresa Culley about invasive, nonnative Callery pear trees that are spreading across Ohio forests after they were introduced by landscapers more than 50 years ago.