LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Michael Webber on Thursday called once again for a fair and swift resolution to the United Auto Workers’ targeted strike against the Detroit Three automakers after Ford announced layoffs at the company’s Sterling Axle Plant.
“The real impact of this strike is being felt by families in Macomb and Oakland counties and across the state,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. “The UAW’s targeted plant strikes are leading to layoffs at other plants and many local businesses are reporting slowing sales as families that depend on the auto industry, whether directly or in-directly, are feeling the pressure of economic uncertainty.”
On Wednesday, Ford announced it would lay off workers at two of its Michigan plants because of work stoppage at its Chicago Assembly Plant, where employees walked off the line on Sept. 29 as part of the UAW’s targeted strike against Stellantis NV, General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co.
Ford’s Sterling Axle Plant, Ford Van Dyke Powertrain Center and Ford Transmission Plant Fields, along with Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and Sterling Stamping Plant, are all located within the 9th Senate District, which is represented by Webber.
A report released this week by the East Lansing-based Anderson Economic Group estimated the first two weeks of the auto strike — now entering its fourth week — has cost the U.S. economy $3.95 billion.
“The importance of the auto industry in Michigan — and not just for those who are employed directly by the Detroit Three — cannot be understated. So many families and businesses across our state, and particularly around Metro Detroit, are economically affected by the well-being of this vital workforce,” Webber said.
The 9th Senate District, which includes the Greater Rochester Area, Troy, Sterling Heights and Utica, is home to the largest concentration of auto dealerships in the state.
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