Source: The Detroit News via Tribune News Service
Picketing UAW Workers Demand Fair Wages and Benefits at Stellantis Mopar Facility
Picketing United Auto Workers (UAW) members outside an automotive parts distribution center in Ontario are fighting for fair wages and benefits that can support a decent living. The workers, who are protesting at the Stellantis Mopar facility, which supplies thousands of parts for automotive repairs and upgrades, are part of the expanded strike by the UAW against Detroit automakers.
The protest is also taking place at 37 other parts distribution centers across the United States, including a General Motors Co. facility in Rancho Cucamonga. UAW Local 230 President Jesse Ramirez emphasized that the wages for the 138 workers at the Stellantis warehouse are not keeping up with inflation, and a two-tier pay system limits newer hires to a maximum of $25 an hour compared to the higher wages earned by veteran employees.
Ramirez stated, “Our senior members receive $31 an hour, but any person hired after 2015 in a parts distribution company can make no more than $25 an hour. They have no pension. They have no medical when they retire. This used to be a job where families worked for generations. We have some members that are third, even fourth generation working for the company. They got to enjoy the fruits of their labor with the company as well as good hard work. That life is not obtainable anymore, especially at $25 an hour.”
President Biden also expressed his support for the striking workers during a visit to the General Motors plant in Michigan. He urged the UAW members to continue their fight for fair wages and benefits, stating, “UAW, you saved the automobile industry back in 2008 and before. Made a lot of sacrifices. Gave up a lot when the companies were in trouble. But now they’re doing incredibly well and guess what? You deserve to do incredibly well too.”
By targeting parts distribution centers, the union aims to disrupt car repairs and exacerbate the shortage of parts in the market. Analyst Sam Fiorani explained this strategy, saying, “It moves the strike to the consumer. There have been a lot of parts that have been in short supply before this, and this is just going to exacerbate that problem.”
The strike did not include Ford Motor Co. parts warehouses, as progress has been made in contract negotiations with the company. However, UAW members outside the Ontario warehouse voiced their grievances. Joel Benefield, a low-wage worker, highlighted the unfair expectations placed on him, stating, “I am expected to do more work than others for less money.” Benefield expressed his frustration with working long hours at a low wage, saying, “No one should have to work that hard for $1,000 a week.”
Other workers on strike emphasized the need for higher wages. Raul Escudero, who has been at the facility for 30 years and is now at the top wage tier, explained that the two-tier pay system is unfair for younger workers. Escudero stated, “When I started here I was able to pay my mortgage. It allowed my wife to stay at home with the kids. Now it’s a struggle to maintain that even at $31 an hour.”
Ramirez highlighted the concessions made by the union in the past to support the struggling company, and called for reciprocity from the company in terms of fair wages and benefits. He stated, “All we’re asking for is what’s fairly owed to us. All we’re asking for is for them to give us back what we lost.”
The strike poses challenges for UAW members, who are risking their income to fight for their rights. However, the workers believe that the fight is necessary to regain what they have lost. Mark Fernandez, a striking worker, stated, “I’m out here because we have lost so much. If we don’t win, I’ll be out looking for a second job.”
Overall, the picketing UAW workers at the Stellantis Mopar facility are demanding fair wages and benefits that can support a decent living, and they are determined to fight until their demands are met.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
