State Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) delivers a speech on the House floor in support of repealing anti-worker “right-to-work” laws.
YPSILANTI, 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. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) issued the following statement in support of the efforts by Michigan workers:
“Michigan workers have put our state on the map, and it is important that every worker expresses their collective bargaining rights. Without this expression, we wouldn’t have the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, child labor laws, health care, family medical leave and unemployment benefits. Those who work hard each and every day deserve to have a seat at the table when it comes down to negotiations and their livelihoods. I am optimistic that both sides are able to agree on a fair contract that guarantees members fair wages, better benefits and safe working conditions.”
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.