Marysville UAW strikers thank community for support
United Auto Workers Local 375 President Ron Scott Jr. said he and the rest of the union members on strike will continues to pound the pavement until an agreement has been reached between the automaker corporations and the union.
The strike at the Marysville National Parts Distribution Plant is a part of a nationwide strike after contract negotiations between Ford, General Motors and Stellantis and UAW President Shawn Fain did not lead to an agreement. The Marysville plant joined the list of locations striking Friday.
Scott said the strike is about improving the livelihoods of the UAW members and keeping workers in Marysville.
"Our membership have been working seven days a week, missing things with their families, to make the company a billion and half a year in profits," he said. "We have a lot of members and families at stake."
The UAW Local 375 Chapter represents workers from Mapal, SBM and Mopar Chrysler. Scott said he wants his members to keep fighting strong until the union reaches an agreement.
The UAW members have been on strike around the clock. They have been going in shifts, with four to six people at each entrance to the plant. However, Scott said every shift has seen more than the required people present.
"We understand that (the strike) is not a break or vacation," Scott said. "It's about real business and we'll be here until an agreement is reached."
Since they have gone on strike, the UAW members have seen an overwhelming amount of support from the community. Scott said the people that have been driving down Huron Boulevard have been honking nonstop to show support, dropping off donations and food items and even joining the picket line themselves.
"We'd like to thank everyone in the community that have supported us," Scott said.
Scott said he would especially like to recognize Eli's Eats on the Streets, which has brought food to the picket line. He said the community should support the establishment in turn.
Debbie Kidd said she was feeling good about the picket line on Wednesday morning. She said she wishes the automaker corporations would bargain with the union in good faith. She said the community has shown great support to the strikers.
"We greatly appreciate all the support," Kidd said. "Anyone can picket with us, and they will be welcomed."
Kidd said some things she would like to see in an agreement would be a placing time limit on temporary workers, getting rid of the tier system, bringing back pensions and pay that meets the cost of living.
UAW Local 375 Shop Chairman Bryan Macker said many of the temporary workers at the plant have been contracted as such for over three years. He said the temporary workers work the lines seven days a week while never knowing if or when they will be let go by the company, have limited UAW representation and don't have the same health care plans as other workers. He said it's an unacceptable set up.
"We're going to stay here and fight to get what we and the rest of our members deserve," Macker said.
Robb Roehrig said he is feeling confident that union leadership will reach an agreement. He said he is hopeful that a response will be given later this week.
Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com or (810) 292-0122.
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This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Marysville UAW strike continues
