LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Michael Webber on Friday urged a fair and fast resolution after United Auto Workers members began their targeted strike against Stellantis NV, General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co.
“The direct and in-direct importance of the auto industry in Michigan cannot be understated. So many families and businesses across our state, and particularly around Metro Detroit, are economically affected by the well-being of this workforce,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills.
“A prolonged labor strike would take a devastating personal and economic toll on families and communities across the region and our entire state — one economist estimates a 10-day strike could cost the U.S. economy $5.6 billion, a blow that would surely hit Michigan harder than any other state as our economy is already lagging behind others. Like many, I hope this dispute will be quickly and fairly resolved.
“The push to transition to electric vehicles has created understandable economic uncertainty among auto workers and it is vital that all parties negotiate in good faith and do everything possible to reach a timely settlement that allows automakers to continue creating good-paying jobs for the prosperity of Michigan’s future.”
Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and Sterling Stamping Plant, and the Ford Sterling Axle Plant, Ford Van Dyke Powertrain Center and Ford Transmission Plant Fields are all located within the 9th Senate District, which represented by Webber.
“The impact of the auto industry goes far beyond the plant doors,” Webber said. “From the auto workers to the auto dealers, from the customers those dealerships rely upon to those who frequent local restaurants and other businesses, everyone will feel the economic pinch of a prolonged auto strike.”
The 9th Senate District, which includes the Greater Rochester Area, Troy, Sterling Heights and Utica, is home to the largest concentration of auto dealerships in the state.
###