First Thing: ‘Defining moment’ as auto workers strike after talks fail with car giants

Deadline expires with sides still far apart on union's contract priorities. Plus, Hunter Biden indicted on federal charges

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Good morning.

Auto workers have launched a series of strikes after their union failed to reach agreement with the US's three largest manufacturers over a new contract, kicking off the most ambitious industrial labor action in decades.

How many workers are employed at the first plants on strike? Strikes kicked off at midnight at three plants of a combined 12,700 workers (a General Motors plant in Wentzville, Missouri, a Stellantis plant in Toledo, Ohio, and a Ford assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan).

What do workers demand? Among the demands are a 40% pay increase, an end to tiers - where some workers are paid at lower wage scales than others - and the restoration of concessions from previous contracts such as medical benefits for retirees, more paid time off and rights for workers affected by plant closures.

How much is the strike fund? The UAW has a $825m strike fund that is set to compensate workers $500 a week while out on strike, and could support all of its members for about three months.

How long could he face in prison if convicted? Up to 25 years. Biden faces up to 10 years in prison on each of two counts of making false statements to a Delaware gun dealer who sold him the gun, and five for possessing it as someone with drug addiction.