Sign open letter of support for UAW strikers at General Motors

DETROIT (Sept. 23, 2019) — One week ago today, more than 48,000 members of the United Auto Workers at nearly 70 General Motors facilities in 19 states went on strike. About 850 UAW janitors employed by Aramark in Michigan and Ohio GM facilities have also been on strike. These UAW members are standing up for fair wages, affordable quality health care, job security, and a defined path to permanent seniority for temp workers.

Ultimately, they want a share of the record-setting profits they helped create with their hard work and their concessions that bailed out the company during the recession. GM profits for 2016, 2017 and 2018 have been approximately $35 billion in North America alone, and GM CEO Mary Barra is now one of the highest-paid in the nation, raking in $22 million in 2018.

But instead of repaying its employees for their hard work and sacrifices, GM has announced several U.S. plant closures. And when their fed-up employees went on strike, GM abruptly cancelled their health benefits without notice, effective immediately. These UAW families found out they had no coverage when they went to the doctor for cancer treatments and to pick up prescriptions. Laura Prater, a veteran and wife of a UAW striker, found out when she woke up from a $40,000 stomach operation.

TAKE A STAND — UAW members’ fight is OUR fight. As this critically important strike drags on, and UAW families continue to make extraordinary sacrifices to compel GM to do the right thing, working families around the nation need to bolster them with solidarity. Please sign Washington state supports UAW strikers!

This open letter for support from union members and other supporters in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest delivers the message: “We in the Pacific Northwest thank you for your commitment and your sacrifice as you fight for your fellow UAW members — and for all workers. We stand with you in solidarity, and will support you for as long as it takes.”

Please sign this open letter today and then share it with your family, friends and co-workers. Thank you.