TONAWANDA (WBEN) - As negotiations between UAW and General Motors are ongoing, more than 1,300 union workers at the Tonawanda Engine Plant remain on strike.
"This is what you have to do fight against the corruption that's going on with General Motors as far as not giving us what we want - having our temps work without vacation, unaffordable healthcare, unfair wages, the profit sharing and the job security," said JR Baker, the president of UAW Local 774.
Baker noted that representatives on both sides are currently meeting in Detroit, and while he couldn't provide specific details regarding any progress made in those discussions, he assured everyone that his workers are doing everything they can to continue to make noise in Tonawanda.
"We're still picketing; we're still believing in the process," he said.
On Tuesday, they received their first checks since the strike began, which amounted to $250, and several local officials showed up to offer support, including Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Assemblyman Sean Ryan and Congressman Brian Higgins.
"We're here to support the men and women of the UAW here at our GM plant because they've been out there standing up for workers' rights," said Hochul. "It is unfair and unconscionable that a decade ago, when GM fell into financial straights and was literally on death's door, the federal government bailed them out, and the men and women of the UAW took major concessions. All they're asking for, now that GM is having profits, and their CEO's are being paid extremely well, that they should share in that prosperity with their workers."
Baker explained that support from politicians and community members has been a huge factor in keeping the morale of workers high, and he added that these workers are ready for the long haul.
"It kind of makes people feel like what we're doing matters," said Baker. "A lot of us out here are out here away from our families and we're doing it for our families; we're doing it for the middle class."