Spring Hill mayor discusses how possible UAW strike could hurt economy, workers

Jay Powell, Columbia Daily Herald
Updated ·4 min read
Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman, center, speaks at the dedication of The King's Daughters' School's newest residential home on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.
Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman, center, speaks at the dedication of The King's Daughters' School's newest residential home on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

As nearly 4,000 General Motors employees await the possibility of joining their fellow United Auto Workers as part of the union's ongoing nationwide strike, Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman commented on how it could negatively affect workers and the city's economy as a whole.

The national strike among a few states, now in its fourth week, has been a looming possibility when it comes to the 11 million square-foot Spring Hill plant, the largest in North America.

And while the concerns have mainly been a demand for fair pay, retirement and other benefits for workers, another concern is how such a strike could adversely affect families, businesses and other facets of the local economy.

Strike update: UAW strike: Progress made, Spring Hill GM plant not striking

"For our city of Spring Hill, we value 100% the partnership, as corporate citizens, that GM has with the city and the union that supports them," Hagaman said.

"Any kind of work interruption on that scale, when the whole union goes on strike, is significant to not only the workers, but their families as well. Because when they go on strike, it's no work and no pay. They get a $500-a-week stipend, but compared to what they are used to, it's going to hurt them in the wallet, and we don't want that for them."

More: Amid UAW strike, GM electric battery supplier announces raises for hourly workers

'Ripple effect' of GM strike on local economy

Hagaman also addressed the effect of a strike on the local economy regarding workers who shop, dine and spend money in Spring Hill.

"They eat, shop and play in Spring Hill. So if they go on strike, especially for a long period of time, that's tax dollars and revenue generators that are not coming into our coffers to provide the things we need to provide for," Hagaman said.

Dean Franks, center, stands on an overpass above U.S. 31 in Spring Hill picketing on the second day of a national strike of General Motors by the United Auto Workers on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019.
Dean Franks, center, stands on an overpass above U.S. 31 in Spring Hill picketing on the second day of a national strike of General Motors by the United Auto Workers on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019.

The city's dependence on GM employees to remain at work could also affect the city's overall budget, which includes things like city worker salary pay, utilities and infrastructure needs, as well as capital project spending.

He also addressed GM suppliers, who might be out of work with no union backup.

"It's things like funding our payroll, paying our debts we have in capital projects, things like that. Also, the people that supply GM in Spring Hill, they don't have a union and only work when GM is operating. So, if it's shut down, then it will affect them as well, and they don't have a stipend pay just to get by."

Public safety in the event of a strike

UAW members strike into the night on an overpass overlooking Highway 31 at the south entrance to the General Motors plant in Spring Hill on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019.
UAW members strike into the night on an overpass overlooking Highway 31 at the south entrance to the General Motors plant in Spring Hill on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019.

Even though each week since the strike began has not resulted in Spring Hill joining the picket line, preparations have been put in place in the event the Local UAW 1853 chapter is called to action.

This has included coordinating efforts between the city and UAW, as well as local law enforcement, nonprofit groups and other entities to ensure safety and public service to strikers and their families.

"Our encouragement remains the same, and we have met in the preceding weeks to try and keep public safety," Hagaman said. "We have established, with the union mainly, five places in the city where people can strike. We will provide barriers and visuals for passing motorists. If they do go on strike, we ask them to please be in compliance with the plans everyone agreed to so they are as safe as possible.

More: In Spring Hill, Tennessee, UAW wants better wages, insurance as strike threat remains

"GM and our local UAW have been a staple and a mainstay in our city for decades, and we have always honored them and will continue to honor them. We just hope for the best and a quick resolution."

As of the time of reporting, no announcements have been made regarding Spring Hill's involvement in the strike.

More: UAW strike: Spring Hill GM autoworkers awaiting call to join walk outs

After the contract expired on Sept. 14, the strike has now expanded to about 25,000 workers at 43 facilities across the country. The latest plants to go on strike were Chicago's Ford Assembly Plant and General Motors' Lansing Delta Township Assembly in Lansing, Mich.

The last time the Spring Hill GM plant went on strike was 2019, when tragedy occurred after a picketer died after being struck by a car.

The latest update is expected to occur Friday, which has been the case weekly since the strike was initiated in September.

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Spring Hill mayor says UAW strike could hurt city economy, workers