Statement in support of United Auto Workers (UAW) Strike
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Graduate Employees Organization Local 6300
The Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) at UIUC, IFT/AFT Local 6300 stands in solidarity with workers of UAW Local 2250, Local 12, Local 900, and any others that may join in their historic strike that began on September 15.
For the first time in United States history, all three major American car manufacturers - General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, etc.) - are facing a coordinated, single strike by United Auto Workers (UAW). 12,700 workers at plants in Missouri, Ohio, and Michigan are walking off the job in a period of record profits for the Big 3 manufacturers. Workers made enormous sacrifices during the 2008 financial crisis, and now they are demanding that these corporations pay their fair share of the combined $23 billion in profit from this year alone.
A select few billionaires at Ford, GM, and Stellantis have enjoyed tens of billions while leaving working families to fight for scaps. This is no “partnership,” it’s parasitic. Enough is enough!
Workers' collective power is central to calling out corporate lies and winning key benefits at the bargaining table: cost of living adjustments (COLA), the end of union-busting pay tiers, and the return of traditional pension and retiree health plans. If talks do not progress, more plants will join in work stoppages and make all the more apparent where it is that these record-setting profits come from - workers.
The UAW is setting a strong example for what worker power in a democratic union looks like. When we stand up in solidarity for equity, dignity, and honesty in the workplace, we win!
How to support UAW members on strike:
Join a picket when/if more locals join the stand-up strike
Call and leave a message with the Big 3 automakers explaining why you’re disgusted with their outrageous greed through this solidarity phone line: 318-300-1249
Sign and share the UAW’s official petition to the Big 3
Follow official UAW Socials and keep up-to-date:
Solidarity forever!
Graduate Employees’ Organization
809 S. 5th St., Geneva Room
Champaign, IL 61820
Email: geo@uigeo.org