The Day the Cars Went On Strike

Issue #40 Keith’s SciFi Musings October 1, 2023

The UAW strike negotiations with the Big Three auto companies took an interesting turn Saturday morning when the three top executives, at different times and each on their way to different meetings, were forced to cancel those meetings. It wasn’t until later in the day that each of them discovered that none of their vehicles could be started.

“It seemed a little odd. I mean, if anybody’s car is gonna start you’d think it would be theirs, right? But hey, I guess even billionaires can have car trouble sometimes,” said someone familiar with the situation who asked not to be quoted. “But then that wasn’t the strangest part. Not by a long shot.”

He shook his head, looking somewhat spooked when asked to provide further detail about what else happened.

“From what I hear? It wasn’t just that their cars wouldn’t start, OK? Because then what happened is that every car that was sent to pick them up all of a sudden wouldn’t start as soon as they stepped inside. I mean, we’re talking about a car that was working just fine all the way from wherever it was coming from until it reached this bigwig’s house, right? Engine running smoothly. Alla that. But as soon as they set foot inside, the engine shuts off.”

Throughout the day there have been more similar reports of cars belonging to top auto executives simply shutting down, including one brand new Cadillac that pulled itself over to the side of I-75 and then ceased all functions. Whenever anyone attempted to pick this individual up to give him a ride, that automobile also ceased to function. Others refused to stop, no matter how hard the driver stomped on the brakes.

“You know what I think it is? And you’re gonna call me crazy, but I’m serious. Dude, I think the cars are on strike.”