Solidarity Strong for Striking Auto Workers in New England

The big three auto companies may not have production plants in Connecticut, but the labor movement considers the UAW strike, with its slogan “Record Profits should equal Record Contracts,” of national consequence and is mobilizing solidarity.

The UAW's Stand Up Strike expanded to 39 locations across the country last week including in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Members of UAW Local 422 are walking the line 24 hours a day outside the Stellantis parts distribution warehouse at 550 Forbes Blvd.

Before the strike, they shipped parts all over New England and to upstate New York. Now, just three managers are in the warehouse.

Tyrone Mills, union chair of Ford Local 376 in Connecticut, came to walk the line in support of his UAW brothers and sisters. “A win for the union is win for everyone. When you have a pension, you have a career,” he said.

Patrick Lozeau, financial secretary for the local, has worked at Stellantis for 23 years. When a team from Connecticut People's World asked what compelled him to go out on strike he said, “Job security, a job with a future for the other workers. The tiers system has to go. The starting rate for workers is only $15.78 an hour. That's not much more than the minimum wage in Massachusetts.”

“Meanwhile,” he said, “the CEO of Stellantis, (Carlos Tavares), gets about $25 million dollars. The previous CEO - Michael Manley - was given a $38 million check when he left the position.”

“CEOS are not supposed to make 300 times what the workers make,” said Lozeau, emphasizing that the money is three to meet the workers' contract demands. .

The 45 workers at the Stellantis parts warehouse have been joined by members of the Teachers Association, SEIU, and many other unions and elected officials. UAW members at Legal Aid came all the way from New York City.

The Connecticut AFL CIO passed a strong solidarity resolution asking all locals to go to picket lines, contribute to the Region 9A Strike Fund, and stand with the striking workers. as have the retirees of CSEA (Connecticut State Employees), and the CT Alliance for Retired Americans.

“The historic struggle that the United Auto Workers are currently facing may impact the trajectory of the entire working class for years to come,” said the CSEA resolution.