Peters Statement Ahead of President Biden Joining Striking UAW Workers on Picket Lines in Michigan

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement ahead of President Biden’s visit to Michigan to join striking UAW workers on the picket line:

“UAW workers sacrificed to keep our auto industry afloat in 2008 and 2009. Now, they’re asking for their fair share of the success that auto companies have experienced in recent years. I was proud to stand on the picket lines with the UAW on Day 1 and 2 of this strike, and I’m happy to have President Biden in Michigan fighting in solidarity alongside workers. This fight is not only about UAW workers getting the wages, benefits, and job security they deserve — it’s about fighting for the future of the American middle class.”

Peters grew up in a union household, where his mother was a Service Employees International Union (SEIU) steward and his father was a member of the National Education Association (NEA).

Peters joined the picket line with UAW workers in Wayne, Michigan on Day 1 and Day 2 of the strike. 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 Shawn 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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