In the midst of a union strike within her company, GM CEO Mary Barra found herself compelled to justify her $29 million compensation package. Barra attributed her 34 percent increase in pay over the last four years to the performance of the company.

During a recent interview with CNN, Barra explained that a significant portion of her earnings hinged on the company’s performance. However, it became evident that the 34 percent increment in her pay had not been reflected in the compensation offered to UAW workers, with GM’s proposed contract falling significantly short.

Despite GM’s historic 20 percent wage increase proposal, it only amounted to half of the 40 percent target set by the UAW. Adding to the tension, UAW president Shawn Fain alleged that GM had made this offer only after facing labor board charges for a perceived lack of willingness to negotiate in good faith during the preceding six weeks.