History of Shawn Fain in Timeline

Shawn Fain is the current president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), a position he assumed in March 2023 after becoming the first leader directly elected by union members. An electrician by trade, Fain worked at a Stellantis plant in Indiana and has been a UAW member for 29 years. As a member of the reform caucus, Unite All Workers for Democracy, he played a key role in the 2023 UAW strike.

1937: Chrysler Workers Join the UAW

In 1937, workers at Chrysler joined the UAW following a sit-down strike, marking a significant moment in labor history.

October 30, 1968: Birth of Shawn Fain

Shawn Fain was born in Kokomo, Indiana on October 30, 1968.

2007: Concessions Made by the UAW

The UAW agreed to certain concessions during the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

2008: Concessions Made by the UAW

The UAW agreed to certain concessions during the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

March 2023: Shawn Fain Becomes UAW President

In March 2023, Shawn Fain assumed the role of president of the United Auto Workers (UAW).

August 2023: Fain's Communication Style

Throughout August 2023, Fain utilized Facebook Live to engage directly with UAW members, incorporating references to the Bible and Malcolm X in his communications.

September 2023: Effectiveness of the September Strikes

In September 2023, Fain remarked on the effectiveness of the ongoing strikes, suggesting they should prompt employers to reconsider their positions.

October 5, 2023: Fain's Stance on Billionaires

On October 5, 2023, in an interview with The New York Times, Fain expressed his belief that "Billionaires in my opinion don't have a right to exist."

December 7, 2023: UAW Announces Unionization Efforts at Volkswagen

On December 7, 2023, the UAW announced its initiative to unionize autoworkers at the Volkswagen facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with over 1,000 workers already pledging their support by signing union cards.

2023: Fain's Demands During Contract Negotiations

During the 2023 contract negotiations, Fain pushed for substantial wage increases, the elimination of tiered wages and benefits, and the restoration of concessions made during the 2007-2008 financial crisis. His firm stance played a role in the UAW's decision to initiate a strike on September 15, 2023.

2023: Shawn Fain Elected UAW President

In a historic election in 2023, Shawn Fain was directly elected as president of the UAW, defeating incumbent Ray Curry.

2023: Advocacy and the 2023 UAW Strike

Throughout 2023, Fain championed a more assertive bargaining approach, increased member engagement, and political activism within the UAW, ultimately contributing to the union's decision to authorize a strike.