Bedford Casting plant union members rally in support of striking members

Members of the United Auto Workers Local 440 gathered in Harp Commons Sunday afternoon for a rally in support of striking UAW members in other parts of the country.

The Bedford GM casting plant is not on strike, but is prepared to do so, said UAW Local 440 President Derek Cronin.

"By and large, the membership is behind doing what's needed to get the contract we deserve," Cronin said.

The last contract expired Sept. 14.

Indiana State Sen. J.D. Ford addressed the UAW members and supporters.

"I love how the UAW is using this moment to communicate the message 'enough is enough,'" Ford said. "Please support officials that support you."

Indiana District 40 State Sen. Shelli Yoder also addressed the crowd.

"You have something more powerful than greed. You have solidarity and numbers," she said. "UAW siblings, you are the ones who are carrying water for all working class people."

Youngsters took the stage at Harp Commons with signs as the speakers addressed the crowd.

Cronin said, "We are not asking for anything more than to work our jobs with dignity, and to have wages that reflect that. This isn't just about a contract, this is about restoring dignity to the working class."

Local 440 members donned shirts that encapsulated their message about striking.

UAW Local 440 Shop Chairman Scott Moore said, "Unions are out here fighting for everyone who works for a living. We have to stick together."

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: UAW Local 440 gathers at Harp Commons in support of strikers