Peters Calls for Fair Contract as September 14th Deadline Approaches for UAW Negotiations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement in advance of the September 14th deadline for members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) to negotiate a new labor contract with the Big Three automakers – General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.
“As we get down to the wire before Thursday’s deadline, I urge both parties to continue negotiating to secure a contract as soon as possible that provides workers with fair wages, benefits, and job security. UAW workers built the middle class, and to this day they are the heart of the auto industry and deserve their fair share of its success. I’ve met with and have been in constant communication with UAW members – including UAW President Shawn Fain – and representatives from the Big Three auto manufacturers, and I’m hopeful that both parties will continue to negotiate in good faith towards a fair contract.”
In July, Peters sent a letter to the CEOs of the Big Three auto manufacturers urging them to negotiate in good faith as the talks began. In August, he met with UAW members in Lansing to show his support and hear their priorities. Peters also organized a multi-member meeting with UAW President Fain earlier this year.
Michigan is home to the most auto workers in the United States, and UAW represents around 70,000 auto workers in Michigan. In addition, the auto industry directly and indirectly employs 1.1 million workers in Michigan, or about 20 percent of the state’s workforce.
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