The United Auto Workers’ strike has extended to Georgia — and may expand again
The United Auto Workers’ strike is impacting plants from Michigan all the way down to Georgia.
In Morrow, Georgia, the blue and gold United Auto Workers flag waves atop a plant that produces parts for Stellantis — the parent company of Chrysler, one of the big three automakers. As negotiations continue between the UAW and America’s major car manufacturers, thousands of workers continue to join the picket line.
Hank Flournoy has worked in the auto industry for over 30 years. This is his first strike.
“Everything that they’re fighting for in Detroit, we’re fighting for here. [It’s] just at a bigger scale in Detroit … just way more people you know. Here, we only have like 100 some people, 108 to 110 people here,” said Flournoy.
Workers here have been taking turns picketing since they received authorization last week.
UAW President Shawn Fain plans to update members on negotiations Friday morning. If the union decides, UAW members at more facilities will join the strike.
On Sept. 15, the union went on strike against the three automakers — General Motors, Chrysler parent Stellantis and Ford. At the time, it was only 12,700 members out of 145,000 who worked at the three companies.
President Joe Biden made news this week by joining UAW members on the picket lines in Michigan.
“I think that’s great, man, the president and the government showing us some type of support. And then for the working people,” Flournoy adds. “And I think that’s a great thing that they come out here and they stand out here with us. I mean, I mean, you don’t get any bigger than that than the president. You know.”
Joe Gowdy III is the shop chair. He’s from Detroit and has family that are also members of the union.
“Our strike fund may run empty. That’s okay with me. I’m still willing to walk this line,” said Gowdy.
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