UAW's Shawn Fain says he's fighting against "poverty wages" and "greedy CEOs." Here's what to know.

Shawn Fain was relatively unknown outside the union until September 14 , when Detroit 's Big Three automakers failed to reachbefore their contract with UAW members expired.

Fain has become the public face of the union's fight to extract higher wages and benefits from the automakers.

His fiery rhetoric and creative approach to the strike is underscoring his difference with prior union management, experts say.

The UAW 's goal is to pressure automakers to provide a 36% pay increase across a four-year contract.

The strike involves three factories: a GM assembly plant in Wentzville , Missouri , Ford and a Stellantis assembly complex in Toledo , Ohio .

Fain likely wants to prove "he's a tough militant guy that's not going to agree to concessions".