STRIKES

Strikes are a tool of last resort. No worker wants to walk a picket line, and no union enters a strike lightly. Strikes occur when management refuses to negotiate a fair and reasonable agreement that respects the value workers create every day. While it is easy to enter a strike, successful unions understand that the real challenge is having a strategic plan to win and exit a strike with meaningful gains for the membership. A strike must produce results that justify the sacrifice made by workers and their families.

The UAW represents members across many industries, not just the Big Three. Whether it is manufacturing, higher education, gaming, healthcare, parts suppliers, or other sectors, every group of workers deserves dignity on the job and fair compensation for their labor. We must be prepared to support strikes wherever they occur by leveraging every resource available to our union. That means developing strong media strategies, building community support, engaging elected officials, maintaining a strong strike fund, assisting members with creditors and financial hardships, and ensuring rank-and-file members and union leaders are visible on picket lines. Solidarity cannot be limited to words—it must be demonstrated through action.

The 2019 UAW-GM Strike was one of the proudest moments of my union career. I believe Local 14 had the best strike in the country because our members stood the line with pride, discipline, and dignity. As challenges arose, we adapted while keeping our members safe and maintaining strong relationships with our community. Whether it was adjusting strike schedules on Jackman Road, meeting with neighbors door-to-door, or working with community leaders, our members demonstrated the values that make Local 14 and the UAW respected throughout Toledo.

The strike was also an opportunity to educate and engage others about the labor movement. I was honored to speak to students at St. Mary's High School about unions and the role they have played in building the middle class. We partnered with Local 12 and Local 1435 to host a showing of American Factory, and our members traveled to support fellow UAW members across the region during difficult times. These efforts reinforced the importance of solidarity, education, and community involvement.

As negotiations continued, our members regularly traveled to Detroit to support the bargaining team and make sure workers' voices were heard. During one of those visits, I had the opportunity to speak directly with Mary Barra about fairness, sacrifice, and what our members deserved after helping the company survive difficult times. That conversation reinforced a belief I have always held: leaders must never be afraid to advocate for their members. Whether speaking to a CEO, a senator, or a president, I will always fight for working people and proudly represent the membership.

Communicating Our Message: The 2023 Stand-Up Strike

During the 2023 Stand-Up Strike, I played an active role in communicating the UAW's position to the public. I appeared on CNN, Fox News, Fox Business, Newsmax, and numerous local television affiliates to explain our issues, highlight the sacrifices of our members, and articulate why workers were standing up for a fair share of the value they create. Public support is a critical component of any successful strike, and every interview was an opportunity to ensure our members' voices were heard.

Effective communication is just as important as effective bargaining. During negotiations, it is essential that union leaders stay focused on the facts, remain disciplined in their messaging, and consistently communicate the goals of the membership. By clearly explaining our position and maintaining message discipline, we helped build understanding and support among the public, elected officials, and our communities.

Leadership requires more than negotiating at the bargaining table—it requires the ability to communicate our cause to the world. Whether speaking to a national television audience, a local reporter, or a member on the shop floor, I believe leaders must be able to articulate our values, defend our positions, and advocate for working people with confidence and credibility.