State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) introduces his White Shirt Day resolution commemorating the 83rd anniversary of the Flint Sit-Down Strike at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 9, 2023.

State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) introduces his White Shirt Day resolution commemorating the 83rd anniversary of the Flint Sit-Down Strike at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 9, 2023.

SAGINAW, Mich., Sept. 14, 2023 — United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain announced tonight that a strike will commence at midnight. Hundreds of thousands of auto workers’ contracts expired at this time, with no consensus on negotiations. Other Michigan workers have also gone on strike this week, including workers at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Ascension Health. State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) issued the following statement in response to the efforts by Michigan workers: 

“Michigan’s working people deserve fair pay and better benefits. That’s what workers are asking for — nothing more or less than to be paid what they’re worth. Michigan workers are an industrious, hard-working group, and they need to be able to put a roof over their heads and food on their tables — put simply, they need to be able to provide for themselves and their families. I hope this dispute reaches a quick conclusion, while also properly recognizing the vital role auto workers play in powering Michigan’s economy.”

House Democrats have made historic strides this term to uplift Michigan workers — from repealing anti-worker “right to work” laws to re-establishing prevailing wages. Michigan has over 1,700 labor unions and about 589,000 Michigan workers within those unions.