Holding the line, then and now
In 2019, 50,000 General Motors workers with the United Auto Workers went on a 40-day strike to win back equitable wages and secure jobs lost from the 2008 recession. Despite Trump’s presidential promises, auto manufacturing plants remained closed and the abuse of part-time and temporary workers prevailed.
At the time, the strike marked the longest auto strike in over 50 years. The Jobs With Justice network mobilized to support auto workers in 2019, and they’re proud to stand with United Auto Workers today in yet another historic strike.
“General Motors and other companies would have us fall for the illusion that there isn’t enough money to support the people who make our cars. But we know there’s plenty of money. Money from taxpayers who bailed the company out in 2008 and money saved from Trump's tax plan that could be in the hands of working people. There’s plenty of money, and it’s ours! GM should be increasing wages and improving healthcare, not cutting them.” – Erica Smiley, Executive Director, Jobs With Justice. 2019.
The fight auto workers face today – just four years later – is a familiar battle against the same greedy corporations who have perpetuated inequitable systems to meet their bottom line while leaving workers in the dust. UAW members are demanding an end to temporary worker abuse and tier systems, but the Big Three (Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis) aren’t budging. Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis have continuously come to the bargaining table in bad faith, often delivering last-minute, lackluster proposals. Workers on the assembly line often experience large gaps in pay for the same work or are prevented from achieving a permanent position with benefits after years of service. These same auto jobs were once a pathway to the middle class for thousands, especially for Black and rural workers.
The Big Three’s intentions to maintain tier systems is worrisome, and one of the many reasons these negotiations could be industry-setting. In a race to meet the demands of a green economy, the auto industry has been lured to the anti-union South with electric vehicle manufacturing. Imagine the destruction and exploitation these corporations could inflict on a region where workers are already underpaid, labor law is weak, and union membership is low or non-existent. It’s why when UAW President Shawn Fain says, “we fight for the good of the entire working class and the poor”, we stand with him.
While we’re reminded of the GM strike of 2019 during this current 2023 contract fight, there is something different about this moment. It’s only been weeks since the Teamsters negotiated and won the end of tier systems and converted 15,000 part-time positions into 7,500 full-time jobs at UPS. Not only are major wins possible, the community believes it too. An overwhelming 75% of voters support workers’ rights to strike and organize for better pay, benefits, and working conditions. Meanwhile, a recent Gallup poll revealed another 75% of voters side with UAW members in their fight against the Big Three.
The labor movement has more support than it’s had in decades and may be stronger than ever before.
Missouri Jobs With Justice joins UAW Local 2250 during the 2019 General Motors Strike.
“In September of 2019, I stood with striking UAW members to demand basic improvements at General Motors. The energy and community support that showed up alongside them was incredible. It felt so good to stand with workers taking big risks that would impact the working class for years to come.
And here we are again with a stronger labor movement, ready to take on the Big Three like never before. UAW members aren’t just striking for auto workers, but for all workers who have a stake in building collective power. That is why the Jobs With Justice network must show up – as community members, faith leaders, students and elected officials – ensuring these CEOs understand that workers are united. And we’re not going anywhere. The community will hold these striking workers up! We’ll be right there with them as long as it takes for the Big Three to meet their demands.”