FLINT — Yesterday, the United Auto Workers called for a nationwide strike against General Motors following the expiration of the union contract at midnight on Saturday after talks stalled in the negotiation process. In response, state Rep. Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint) issued the following statement:

“As a member of the Legislative Labor Caucus and current union member, I stand in solidarity with the workers and their families while they fight for fair working conditions and compensation. We are praying for a good outcome to these negotiations. Organized labor and collective bargaining made the American middle class possible and I am proud to support all who come together to bargain for a better future for themselves,  their colleagues and their families. As Dr. King once said, ‘the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’ So to my brothers and sisters holding the line – I am standing with you, don’t give up.”