Auto worker strike explained: the pay gap, the talks and what Biden is doing

Key questions answered after UAW workers at Ford, Stellantis and General Motors walked off the job

Industrial action billed as the biggest auto strike in generations" got under way late on Thursday night for 150,000 US autoworkers, with employees at Ford, Stellantis and General Motors walking off the job at 11.59pm after contract negotiations failed to reach a deal.

It's the latest in a series of strikes called or threatened by workers in industries including shipping and logistics, TV and movie production and hotel and leisure. Given its scale, the strike could deal a significant blow to the US economy as well as the auto industry.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra made $29m in 2022 - 362 times the median wage of $80,034 at the company.

Ford CEO Jim Farley made $21m in 2022 - 281 times the median worker of $74,691.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares made $24.8m in 2022 - 365 times the average worker's $67,789 wage.