Speaking about the strike launched by the employees of the 3 major US automotive companies, US President Joe Biden said, "Nobody wants it, but the car companies should share the profits."

US President Joe Biden said that no one wants the United Auto Workers union to go on strike in a labor dispute with the three major US automakers, but workers should share in the profits of these companies.

"Nobody wants a strike, but I respect the right of workers under the collective bargaining system," Biden told reporters at the White House.

The United Auto Workers of the United States (UAW) has begun strikes over wages and job security at three legacy automakers in Detroit.

Workers began walking out on Friday from the Ford Motor Michigan plant in Detroit, which makes the Bronco SUV, the General Motors plant in Missouri, which makes the Chevy Colorado midsize pickup, and the Stellantis NV plant in Toledo, Ohio, where the Jeep Wrangler is built.

After weeks of talks, the union and the automakers are still far apart. The strategy is designed to steadily reduce production of profitable vehicles while minimizing the impact on the UAW's strike fund. The union has said it will add strike locations depending on how bargaining goes.

UAW President Shawn Fain said late Thursday, "Tonight, for the first time in our history, we will strike all three of the Big Three at the same time. This strategy will keep companies guessing. It will give our national negotiators maximum power and flexibility in bargaining. And if we have to go all the way, we will do it. Everything is on the table," he said.