UAW strikes against automakers; Milwaukee workers walk off job
MILWAUKEE - UAW workers have been picketing outside the Stellantis Mopar Parts Distribution Facility for six hours now, and the intent is to keep it going until the contract demands are met.
As the clock struck 11, UAW workers struck out, filing out of the parts distribution facility in Bay View and picking up picket signs.
"Shawn Fain called a strike at 11 AM from international," said the UAW Local 75 President, Joe Neu. "We're striking out for our own contract, and for equality of the contract that membership asked for."
Roughly 100 workers joined the thousands across the country. The strike expanded to General Motors and Stellantis Parts- Distribution Centers, including Bay View, adding to automating history that goes back 100 years.
This is the first time the UAW has struck simultaneously in its history.
UAW President Shawn Fain shook hands with strikers outside of Detroit Friday.
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"The consumers are being price gouged by these companies; it has nothing to do with what we're doing now," said Fain. "We're taking care of the consumer – when you create better-paying jobs, we don't just bargain for ourselves. We bargain for the entire working class. And when you create better paying jobs and a better standard of living for all working class people, that's what keeps the economy going."
The employee lot is empty in Milwaukee, and the parts facility is quiet.
"He's showing solidarity, that's all," said Andrew Stark, the Region 4 UAW International Servicing representative.
As union leaders gave ground rules for the picket line.
"Remember the purpose you're striking for is equality in your contracts, and for better wages, for the future and for this plant," Neu said.
The UAW said there is a need for a fair contract, bargaining that carmakers have made huge profits as CEOs get rewarded. The union wants a wage increase of about 36% over four years. The companies have offered a little over half of that.
Stellantis said it made a competitive offer on Thursday for full-time employees but said the union hadn't responded.
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In a statement to FOX6 News, Stellantis said they question whether the union's leadership has ever had an interest in reaching an agreement in a timely manner.
"I'm speaking directly from Milwaukee and for Mopar, that we stay here, that we don't move," said Neu. "We're asking the company to stay put. Let us make our future. Let them help us make our future the right way, though."
UAW Local 75's president tells FOX6 News that workers will picket the plant for 12 hours a day, five days a week and don't plan on stopping until a deal is reached.
Reaction
Milwaukee Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic
"Union contracts for 150,000 hardworking United Auto Workers (UAW) union employees at Ford, GM, and Stellantis/Chrysler expired on September 14. Hundreds of these workers are our neighbors and friends. UAW employees are striking across the country after exhausting other efforts to collectively bargain with their bosses for fair compensation given the revenue their hard work produces. Ford, GM and Stellantis/Chrysler have made a quarter trillion dollars in North American profits in the last ten years, and our union allies deserve to have their demands for appropriate compensation met without threats and illegal intimidation.
"Instead, the big three auto manufacturers are refusing to negotiate wages with their workers at large and small longstanding auto parts factories and distributors nationwide. Chrysler's MOPAR plant in Bay View is just one of these distribution centers. This workplace, located at 3280 S. Clement Ave. in the 14th Aldermanic District, has long employed more than 100 workers who contribute to our local economy and the fabric of our neighborhood. They are valued.
"Today, our Local UAW 75 neighbors will strike at this location. I pledge to stand with them and will join them on the picket line as they stand up to the shameful corporate bullying and attacks on working people nationwide. I urge you to join me, or just honk and wave in solidarity with them as you drive by.
"Bay View has long been a union neighborhood within a union town, and we have a proud history of standing behind our neighbors who fight for basic work protections and fair compensation. Bay View workers fought and died so that ALL workers could have an eight-hour workday that affords us family time and time to engage in life activities beyond performing constant labor for low wages. We will not turn back.
"I urge you to join me in standing with our local striking UAW workers. Please offer them your solidarity and support as they fight for what is fair and just at work."