Nearly 1,000 Workers Strike at Michigan GM Supplier Plant
"We'll stay out on strike until this company comes to its senses." — UAW President Shawn Fain
Nearly 1,000 workers at a Michigan supplier plant that produces parts for General Motors pickup trucks went on strike early Monday morning after contract negotiations with Dauch Corp. — formerly known as American Axle and Manufacturing — fell through.
The strike began at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, halting production at the facility. Workers are demanding the restoration of wages that were slashed during the Great Recession.
A sharp pay cut remains a core grievance. Longtime employees who once earned $29 per hour saw their wages cut to $14.50 in 2008. Under the current system, pay tops out at $22 per hour after a five-year progression.
UAW President Shawn Fain voiced strong support for the striking workers. "We'll stay out on strike until this company comes to its senses," he said.
A spokesperson for Dauch Corp. called the work stoppage "disappointing," but offered no immediate indication of a return to the bargaining table.