APWU Proudly Supports United Auto Workers' (UAW) Strike For Strong and Fair Contract

On September 15th, United Auto Workers (UAW) members made history when they walked off the job in targeted strikes after their contracts with the “Big Three” (Ford, General Motors and Stellantis – the parent company of Chrysler) expired without new negotiated union contracts.

The American Postal Workers Union stands in full solidarity with the UAW in their struggle to win strong contracts that guarantee auto workers the better pay, better hours and the better jobs they deserve. In the past ten years, the Big Three have reported $250 billion in profits, issued billions in dividends for shareholders, and raised executive pay by more than 40 percent. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, who has publicly criticized the UAW demands as unfair to the company, made $21 million last year! UAW members are striking to challenge corporate greed and win what they deserve. UAW President Shawn Fain in announcing the initial targeted strikes stated, “…we’ll keep fighting for justice for the working class while the Big Three keep price-gouging the American consumer, ripping off the American taxpayer, and shortchanging the American worker. Enough is enough. It’s time to Stand Up.”

Harkening back to the auto workers’ Sit-Down Strikes of the 1930s that led to the creation of the UAW and helped spark a union organizing wave across the country, the unionized auto workers are standing up for all working-class people in our struggle to win lives with dignity, safe and rewarding jobs, and more time to spend with our families.

Postal workers share those same goals. And we’re proud to stand in solidarity with the UAW in this important struggle. The Stand-Up strikes began in three locations – Toledo, OH, Wayne, MI and Wentzville, MO. The UAW has committed to spread their strike action as needed until the Big Three come back to the table prepared to meet their just demands.

“I urge every postal worker to support this critical struggle. Their just fight to overcome years of concessionary “giveback” bargaining: to restore lost COLA, remove divisive two-tier pay and benefit scales, ensure good retirement benefits for all auto workers and a shorter work week with no loss in pay, are fair demands,” said President Mark Dimondstein. “I encourage all our members to participate in rallies in support of the auto workers, join the picket lines in your areas, and sign the “All in” petition below, and spread it through social media. When auto workers win their just demands, it will be a victory for all workers."

For more information, visit https://uaw.org/standwithus/.