The United Auto Workers union expanded its "stand up strike" Tuesday, and 5,000 workers at the General Motors plant in Arlington have left the job. The local UAW chapter had posted picketing assignments on its website when the strike first began last month, but Arlington had not been chosen until Tuesday.
The GM plant in Arlington produces full size SUVs, including the Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
As soon as the strike was announced, employees began walking with signs and umbrellas outside the plant's gates on Abram Street west of 360.
"We made concessions, especially during bankruptcy, to help the company survive with the promise they would make good on us if they become profitable. That is where they have been lacking," one picketer said.
Picketers say they want a contract that would benefit the next generation of workers as the industry changes and prepares for the use of more electric vehicles.
They say a better contract for them will also help the local economy grow as thousands of GM workers spend money in restaurants and shops near the plant.
"We're out here to better the lives of our families and, hopefully, spill that back into the community which will also help other families and other businesses survive," another worker said.
During an earnings call, GM said its third quarter earnings beat expectations, but the UAW strikes would cut pretax earnings $800 million this year and $200 million a week after that. The company says those numbers could increase if more plants are added to the strike.
"We are disappointed by the escalation of this unnecessary and irresponsible strike," GM wrote in a statement. "It is harming our team members who are sacrificing their livelihoods and having negative ripple effects on our dealers, suppliers and the communities that rely on us."
GM says it provided an offer last week that "increased the already substantial and historic offers we have made by approximately 25% in total value."
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-Dallas) issued a statement of support to the union, referencing his experience as part of the NFL Players' Association when he played pro football.
“I am proud to stand with the thousands of North Texas members of the UAW, and I am hopeful GM and UAW are able to quickly come to an agreement that will benefit both the Texas economy and Texas workers," he said in part.
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