The recent strike by United Automobile Workers (UAW), a labor union representing autoworkers, continues to impress upon the struggle of the workers in both Detroit’s “Big Three” and Mercedes-Benz suppliers in Alabama.
The UAW’s nationwide strike began on September 15th and has since been going on for over two months, making it the longest strigent action the union has gone on since a successful strike in 1982. This strike focuses on issues such as unfair wages, poor working conditions and lack of job security that has primarily impacted workers in Detroit and now in Alabama.
At the Mercedes-Benz supplier in Alabama, workers have gone on a strike over wage and production concerns. They aim to gain a better salary as compared to the wages of its rival companies. The UAW also seeks to gain an improved work-life balance, especially concerning the scheduling of overtime. They are also determined to achieve more job security as contract periods are often quite unstable and temporary.
The UAW strike has been well-received by both labor unions and social activists alike who have been supporting the workers all around the country. Various efforts have been made to help with the cause too, with over medical crew members from the Teamsters Union coming to Alabama on November 8th to provide medical supplies and services to the workers protesting at the Mercedes-Benz supplier. In addition to this, the UAW has now even taken the auto giants and their suppliers to court over a variety of proceedings that were carried out in violation of law. The union is also planning to form a legal defense fund to cover the medical and legal fees of all the autoworkers who are being affected by the strike.
The workforce of the Detroit “Big Three” and Mercedes-Benz suppliers of Alabama have made their plight to be heard loud and clear. And after waiting over two months, it is now time to see if their demands are met or not. Only time will show if the district court proceedings, legal defense fund and protests will prove fruitful or the workers will have to wait longer in order for their voices to be heard.
