United Auto Workers union members across the state of Michigan continue to picket in what is quickly becoming the longest labor dispute in recent memory. UAW Local 362 President Pedro Santos was among the dozen or so workers holding signs outside of the GM power train plant in Bay City yesterday. Santos, says healthcare and job security are some of major issues that lead to the strike. “We have three year temp employees here… we have to get them a way to get a permanent job here at General Motors,” said Santos. “They’re making billions of dollars now,” said Santos, referencing the GM bankruptcy. “It’s time for the to give back, help the people here, and stop closing plants.” When WPHM spoke to Santos Monday afternoon, a few dozen employees were gathered outside of the Bay City Plant trying to keep warm. Nearly 400 UAW members are on strike at GM’s Bay City Plant. About 17,000 workers statewide and 50,000 nationwide have been walking the picket lines for five weeks now. The union announced over the weekend workers will get a bump in strike pay from $250 a week to 275, but many on the picket lines they’d rather get back to work.
