LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain has released a statement since the union began its strike against the Big Three automakers.
Fain released the following statement Friday:
Last night we launched a historic strike at three major Big Three facilities after Ford, GM, and Stellantis each failed to offer a fair contract to our 150,000 autoworkers.
For six weeks, the companies have had our economic demands. For six weeks, they chose not to get down to business. They squandered the time we had, and once again want to blame the workers for their mistakes and mismanagement.
We agree with Joe Biden when he says “record profits mean record contracts.” We don’t agree when he says negotiations have broken down. Our national elected negotiators and UAW leadership are hard at work at the bargaining table. Our members and allies are standing strong at the picket lines. Anyone who wants to stand with us can grab a sign and hold the line.
The companies and the media want to use fear tactics about how we’re going to wreck the economy. We’re not going to wreck the economy. The truth is we are going to wreck the billionaire economy.
Working people are not afraid. You know who’s afraid? The corporate media is afraid. The White House is afraid. The companies are afraid.
Today we’re rallying with our members. Tomorrow, we expect to be at the bargaining table. All three companies have received a comprehensive counteroffer from our union, and we await their response. So we’ll keep fighting for justice for the working class while the Big Three keep price-gouging the American consumer, ripping off the American taxpayer, and shortchanging the American worker.
Enough is enough. It’s time to Stand Up.”
Shawn Fain, UAW President
As of Friday, UAW workers at three U.S. plants are on strike, including those at the Ford Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.
