The limited strikes will help to preserve the union’s $825 million strike fund, which would run dry in about 11 weeks if all workers walked out. But Fain said more plants could be added if the companies don’t make better offers.

Even Fain has called the union’s demands audacious, but he maintains the automakers are raking in billions and can afford them. He scoffed at company statements that costly settlements would force them to raise vehicle prices, saying labor accounts for only 4% to 5% of vehicle costs.

Smart idea: ask for a lot and strike immediately. Don't wait and strike all at once. Pull more workers off the job if they refuse to negotiate, but start out slow.

That allows time for the board to ask management wtf is going on, because they are slowly losing money.