Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit) talks with reporters on the floor of Michigan House.
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 15, 2023 — The United Auto Workers (UAW) officially stated that a strike is in the works. With a lack of consensus on negotiations, this is the first time UAW workers will strike simultaneously at all Big Three automakers — about 300,000 Michigan workers are hourly workers connected to the auto industry. Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit) issued the following statement in support of the efforts by Michigan workers:
“Workers are the backbone of the American auto industry, and organized labor is a part of our state’s enduring legacy. Decades of hard work and leadership by unions forged a path to help ensure safe workplaces, competitive wages, and the ability to raise and support a family. They helped make the American dream a reality for generations of Michiganders.
“Michigan’s economy benefits when workers and industry negotiate together, in good faith, to reach consensus. Support for Michigan workers is a top priority for House Democrats, and our legislative accomplishments and agenda are a reflection of our commitment to help build a strong workforce and a thriving economy.
“I encourage a swift resolution to this impasse that delivers a fair contract to the UAW and maintains a competitive edge for the Big Three. The auto industry is Michigan’s legacy and its future, and there is surely a path forward that ensures our workers and our economy can continue to thrive.”