An autoworker strike – even if it’s short – could disrupt the largest manufacturing sector in the US and potentially send us into a recession. If the economic threat wasn’t significant enough, the unions are also gaining political influence and acting more like swing voters as the availability of labor decreases.

These ongoing negotiations and potential strikes are all part of the evolving political and economic American landscape. Whichever political party can gain the union’s favor will reap the benefits of a boost in overall influence.

[That would be incredibly convenient for the White House, considering that a recession is likely coming at some point with inflation ticking back up again. It will be nice to have a scapegoat — either the UAW or the automakers, or perhaps both. It would distract from the role Bidenomics played in economic deterioration. — Ed]