Dear John,
When the contract negotiations deadline came and went last night, United Auto Workers launched a “limited and targeted” strike walking out of three automobile plants in the Midwest. This is a historic moment for the auto industry—it is the first time that a walkout has hit Detroit’s Big Three (General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis) at the same time.
On a deeper level this is about the violation of our values by greedy corporate leaders—values like the importance of an economy that works for everyone, an economy that prioritizes people over profits and equity between CEO and worker compensation.
We believe that until these are addressed, we will continue to see a growing and extreme concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, the lessening and undermining of democracy, and the weaponization of race to politically divide us so that wealthy elites control government to serve only their interests.
Through this strike, auto workers are standing up for their families and for our communities, and we choose to stand up with them! We urge you to view the two powerful videos that we have included with this email. They will provide you with a clear picture of the negotiation process and what is at stake.
In addition, we have included a graphic with a call to action. Take time to contact the “Big Three” CEOs and tell them to prioritize people over profits.
In solidarity!
Gamaliel Faith and Labor Strategy Table
