Reuther argued, on behalf of the UAW, that the 'inordinate productivity' of modern technology put the power of creating 'permanent prosperity' into the hands of the Americans.
[2]: 24 But instead, Reuther claimed that the controllers of that technology in the auto industry used the power to "maximize profits by pursuing a program of 'planned scarcity'" (therefore driving up product prices) while cutting jobs.
[2]: 24 Walter Reuther's statement in 1944 explained his central thesis; He said, "It is my determined belief that there can be no permanent prosperity.. so long as the controls of production remain in the hands of a privileged minority".
Reuther was taking a stand against the powerful corporate enterprise and advocating the "democratization of industry," which was exactly his view of what should be implemented, and it showed through his demands in the UAW-GM bargain.
Among them was Donald E. Montgomery, a liberal economist and professional in New Deal laws and regulations, who was designated "as consumer counsel and representative in the UAW's Washington office".
[2]: 24 Therefore, Reuther then offered a subsequent wager: he put forth a new proposal that would allow a smaller increase in wages if GM "would prove its inability to pay by 'opening its books'".
This made what Reuther was doing very important for promoting "the Truman administration's efforts to sustain price controls and working-class living standards.