Here's what you need to know this week:
We notified you previously that GM workers have voted to authorize a strike, and now it's official. As of midnight on Sunday, nearly 50,000 workers have walked off the job nationwide as talks continue with the auto giant, which made almost $12 BILLION in profits in 2018.
Almost immediately, the Teamsters released a statement in solidarity saying that applicable members will not cross the picket line and will refuse to deliver GM vehicles to dealerships. Shows of solidarity also came in from around the world of labor, with reports of fellow union members joining picket lines around the country.
This is the first nationwide strike for the UAW in years, and workers are standing up for fair wages, job security, fair shares of profits, a defined path forward for temp workers, and perhaps most prominently, affordable and quality healthcare. As was expected, though, GM is already resorting to ruthless tactics.
As of yesterday, the company, whose CEO raked in 281 times as much as the median worker in 2018, has stripped striking workers of their healthcare. The UAW strike fund was activated so that members would continue to receive coverage, but many voices are speaking out against the cruelty of this move, especially as reports are coming in of strikers being hit by vehicles.
Our sisters and brothers are fighting hard, though. Industry experts believe that the strike could cost the company up to $100 million per day. There are no strike locations in our 12 counties, but we've reached out through our local UAW for information on how those wishing to assist striking workers in other places can do so. We'll pass on the details as soon as a plan is in place.
Here's what's coming up:
- On Tuesday (9/24), we'll be screening candidates for Lakeland City Commission elections, which will take place in November. The screenings will take place at 6PM at UFCW 1625 (705 E Orange St, Lakeland).
- On Wednesday (9/25), we'll be holding our bimonthly Quad County meeting. This meeting serves as an avenue for all union activists in Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, and Sumter Counties to get involved with the CLC. The meeting will take place from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at Beef 'O' Brady's in Brooksville (7601 Horse Lake Rd). If you live in the area, come out and join us!
- On Friday (9/27), our FFLL Chapter will meet at 6PM at the USF PTB Training Center (4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa; CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS). This is the official voice for young workers in the Florida AFL-CIO and our Central Labor Council, and all workers under the age of 40 are invited to attend! RSVP Here
Keep in Mind:
Our October 1st CLC meeting (7PM; IBEW 824, 6603 E Chelsea St, Tampa) should be on your radar, as we will be joined by very special guests. President Mike Williams and Dr. Rich Templin from the Florida AFL-CIO will be in Tampa to present “Elections Have Consequences”, a breakdown of how union members voted in 2018 and how our state reps and senators voted in the 2019 legislative session. This presentation is highly informative, and it is specifically customized for our area. We hope to have a full house for this CLC Meeting, and this event is open and free to all of our members, allies, and community partners! Food will be provided.
That's all for this week! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates. If you would like to receive text message alerts from the Florida AFL-CIO (Msg & data rates may apply), text FLUNION to 235246!
In Solidarity,
West Central Florida Labor Council
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