MICHIGAN — As tens of thousands of UAW members go on strike across the country, the American Federation of Teachers Michigan and Michigan Education Association released a joint statement in solidarity with the striking workers. The statement should be attributed to David Hecker, president of AFT Michigan and Paula Herbart, president of the MEA: 

“From schools across the state, AFT Michigan and the MEA want to send a strong message of solidarity to our UAW sisters and brothers on picket lines across the country. Companies like GM would not be the flagship institutions that they are without the hard work of union members in Michigan and across the country. It’s time for GM to come to the table and listen to the needs of UAW members and negotiate in good faith to give workers the wages and benefits they deserve. A fair contract means growth and stability for working families, which translates to good things for the communities where they live and the students in their lives. This strike should also serve as a symbol of the strength of working people in this country and the power that is inherent in their labor. When working people stand together we see progress not only in the workplace, but across our communities.”

Contact: 

Doug Pratt, dpratt@mea.org

David Hecker, dhecker@aftmichigan.org