Here's What Detroit Area Leaders Are Saying About Historic UAW Strike

DETROIT — The United Auto Workers union declared a historic strike against all of Detroit's Big Three automakers early Friday morning after failing to reach a contract agreement.

It's the first time in history the union called for a strike against each of the big three (Ford, General Motors and Stellantis) at the same time. UAW President Shawn Fain is calling it a "Stand Up Strike" and targeted three plants as initial targets:

• GM Wentzville Assembly, Local 2250 (Missouri)
• Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex, Local 12 (Ohio)
• Ford Michigan Assembly Plant, final assembly and paint only, Local 900 (Michigan)

"We’ve been working hard to try to reach a deal for economic and social justice for our workers," UAW President Shawn Fain said. "UAW family, that deadline is nearly here. Tonight, for the first time in our history, we will strike all three of the Big Three at once."

Here's what leaders in the Detroit area are saying about the historic strike:

Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit):

"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."

State Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac):

"Listen, workers wages have remained stagnant despite record breaking corporate profits — this is what we hear time and again from every corner of our state and across the country. Michigan is on the verge of becoming the lifeblood of the movement to go clean and produce more electric vehicles. And the workers who are on strike today deserve an opportunity to earn a better living tomorrow as the auto industry pivots toward the future."

State Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti):

"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."

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor):

"I have said many times these are the most important negotiations I have witnessed in my lifetime. The industry is at a crossroads and its future is at stake. We must manufacture these vehicles here in America to stay at the forefront of innovation and technology and compete in the global marketplace, and the workers are critical to that. There are a lot of important issues at play. The auto workers were the ones who gave when this industry was in trouble over a decade ago, and now they want to see their wages keep up with inflation through cost-of-living adjustments. It's not fair for someone to be a temporary worker for 8-10 years. They deserve a decent wage and benefits, and need to be assured that as the industry undergoes transition, their livelihoods are safe, and they won’t be left behind."