UAW President Shawn Fain on Wednesday known as the lots of of employees at the moment on strike in opposition to suppliers Clarios and Constellium an “inspiration” to the union as a complete and vowed to maintain supporting them.
“All these workers are leading the way for all of us right now,” Fain mentioned in a 30-minute Facebook Live look. “Their fights are a strong reminder that the way workers build power and make gains in bargaining is by having the collective capacity to shut employers down when our employers refuse to not treat our members fairly. I want striking UAW members to know our million-strong union stands in solidarity with you in the fight for justice.”
Roughly 400 employees at a Clarios car battery plant close to Toledo this week voted down a tentative contract settlement by a large margin, extending a strike that started May 8. The plant provides batteries for General Motors and Ford Motor Co.
“It’s a shame,” Fain mentioned. “These workers aren’t asking for the moon. They’re asking for a decent wage and the company’s trying to impose a crappy work schedule on them. These workers are holding their ground and we’re behind them 100 percent.”
Additionally, about 160 UAW employees at a Constellium Automotive plant in suburban Detroit have been on strike since May 17. Union officers say the employees are involved about well being and issues of safety on the plant, which provides aluminum buildings and crash administration methods for various Ford merchandise, along with administration’s disciplinary practices.
Fain mentioned the 2 strikes present how the UAW can flex its bargaining energy.
“Going out on strike is not something that any of us take lightly,” he mentioned. “But when employers leave us no choice, our union is not afraid to act.”
Since taking workplace in March, Fain has taken a way more aggressive tone towards the Detroit 3 automakers as he prepares for contract negotiations this yr, calling multibillion-dollar firms the union’s “one true enemy.”
Fain on Wednesday mentioned the UAW wouldn’t be afraid to strike the Detroit 3 if wanted.
“Whether we strike or not, it’s up to the corporations,” he mentioned. “If they give our members their fair share, we’re going to be fine. If they don’t, we’re going to do what we have to do.”
Source: www.autonews.com