Current:Home > Stocks5 UAW members hit by vehicle in Michigan while striking-InfoLens
5 UAW members hit by vehicle in Michigan while striking
View Date:2024-12-23 18:42:50
Police said five people picketing in the United Auto Workers strike were hit by a vehicle Wednesday leaving a General Motors plant located outside Flint, Michigan. The striking workers suffered minor injuries and two of the five people hit by the vehicle were taken to a local hospital, according to a UAW official.
Chief Matthew Bade of the Metro Police Authority of Genesee County, Michigan said that the workers were blocking a driveway, and an employee was trying to leave the Flint Processing Center in Swartz Creek when the collision occurred.
Bade said the employee who hit strikers has not been located and that they drove through the picket line to leave the plant.
GM spokesperson Jack Crawley issued a statement saying the company is committed to the health and safety of all employees. "Plant leadership is working closely with local authorities to investigate and understand what happened," the statement said.
UAW Region 1-D President Steve Dawes told The Flint Journal that the incident was "uncalled for."
Dawes continued, "These people are out here, you know these are my membership, and they're out here doing a peaceful, legal demonstration."
UAW on strike
The Flint Processing Center is one of 38 locations where workers have walked off the job to strike for a better contract with three major Detroit automakers (GM, Ford and Stellantis).
Last week, UAW President Shawn Fain said an additional 5,625 workers across 20 states for both automakers would walk off the job, adding to the near 13,000 already on strike. In Michigan, the UAW is striking at Stellantis and GM sites in Pontiac, Willow Run, Ypsilanti, Swartz Creek, Burton, Belleville, Lansing, Center Line, Marysville, Warren, Auburn Hills and Romulus.
Workers on strike are picketing for the following list of demands:
◾ Eliminating wage tiers.
◾ A 40% wage increase over the life of the contract. The 40% signifies the increase in CEO salaries.
◾ Restoring the cost-of-living allowance adjustments to counteract inflation.
◾ Defined benefit pension for all workers.
◾ The right to strike over plant closures.
◾ A reduced work week and more paid time off.
◾ Limiting the use of temporary workers.
◾ Increased benefits to current retirees.
Joe Biden joins striking workers
The same day as the incident at the Flint Processing Center, President Biden joined striking workers on the picket line at a General Motor redistribution center in Michigan. Biden told workers that they deserve more of a share of the profits from Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Stellantis. It marked the first time a sitting president has joined a picket line of workers on strike in the middle of a labor dispute.
“Folks, stick with it because you deserve the significant raise you need and other benefits," Biden said. "Let's get back what we lost, OK? If we can save them, then it's about time for them to step up for us."
How many people are members of the UAW?
UAW membership had fluctuated over the past 15 years, but is not nearly as high as historic membership levels. Nearly two decades ago, the UAW had more than 650,000 members. Its peak was 1.5 million in 1979.
In the past 10 years, union membership peaked in 2017 at 430,871 members and has slowly declined since.
Workers exit:GM facilities targeted as expanded UAW strikes get underway
Which UAW plants are on strike?:The 38 GM, Stellantis locations walking out Friday
AP News contributed to this reporting
veryGood! (923)
Related
- Will Aaron Rodgers retire? Jets QB tells reporters he plans to play in 2025
- 'Summoning the devil's army': Couple arrested after burning cross found outside neighbor's home
- As 2023 holidays dawn, face masks have settled in as an occasional feature of the American landscape
- Who plays William, Kate, Diana and the queen in 'The Crown'? See Season 6, Part 2 cast
- Denver district attorney is investigating the leak of voting passwords in Colorado
- Browns DE Myles Garrett fined $25,000 by NFL for criticizing officials after game
- NFL bans Eagles head of security Dom DiSandro from sidelines for rest of regular season
- Confederate memorial to be removed in coming days from Arlington National Cemetery
- Nicole Kidman Reveals the Surprising Reason for Starring in NSFW Movie Babygirl
- Bowl game schedule today: Everything to know about the six college bowl games on Dec. 16
Ranking
- Joan says 'Yes!' to 'Golden Bachelorette' finale fantasy beach proposal. Who did she pick?
- 79-year-old Alabama woman arrested after city worker presses charges over dispute at council meeting
- Belarus political prisoners face abuse, no medical care and isolation, former inmate says
- Get $98 Worth of Peter Thomas Roth Skincare for $27 and More Deals That Are Great Christmas Gifts
- Stop What You're Doing—Moo Deng Just Dropped Her First Single
- Luton captain Tom Lockyer is undergoing tests and scans after cardiac arrest during EPL game
- Agave is an increasingly popular substitute for honey and sugar. But is it healthy?
- Lions on brink of first playoff appearance since 2016 after blasting Broncos
Recommendation
-
Chipotle unveils cilantro-scented soap, 'water' cup candles in humorous holiday gift line
-
Michigan man almost threw away winning $2 million scratch-off ticket
-
Electric vehicles owners and solar rooftops find mutual attraction
-
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Stars Have a Full Cast Reunion That Will Lift Your Spirits
-
Only 8 monkeys remain free after more than a week outside a South Carolina compound
-
‘Wonka’ waltzes to $39 million opening, propelled by Chalamet’s starring role
-
Russia and Ukraine exchange drone attacks after European Union funding stalled
-
A Black woman miscarried at home and was charged for it. It shows the perils of pregnancy post-Roe