What Worries UAW’s Striking Workers, in Their Own Words
UAW members strike outside the General Motors Lansing Redistribution facility in Lansing, Michigan.
Photographer: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
With economic losses already estimated at $1.6 billion, the standoff entered its second week with the two sides remaining far apart on key issues such as pay, benefits and terms. We spoke with striking workers about what has them worried and whether politicians can change that. —As told to Mark Niquette, Gabrielle Coppola and Josh Eidelson
“I hope he [Trump] shows up, because I think he’s just going to get chased off. No, he doesn’t support us. He told the workers in Lordstown not to sell their homes, [because] he wouldn’t let the plant close. And you know what? It closed, and he didn’t do nothing but tweet out about how the UAW and GM need to get their act together. There’s nothing there—just empty promises and lies with him.”
—Ryan Ashley, 23, Cleveland