Car crashes into 5 UAW strikers at Michigan GM plant.
Five UAW Strikers Struck by Vehicle While Picketing at Michigan Plant
Five United Auto Workers (UAW) strikers were struck by a vehicle driven by a General Motors employee while picketing at an automaker processing plant in Michigan on Tuesday afternoon, police say.
According to reports, the incident happened at 4 p.m. when an auto plant employee was leaving the Flint Processing Center on Bristol Road in Swartz Creek.
The picketing UAW members, protesting labor conditions, had gathered near the facility’s driveway, temporarily blocking the exit route for the employee, according to police.
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Chief Matthew Bade of the Metro Police Authority of Genesee County revealed that the employee allegedly plowed into the crowd as they were leaving the premises, reported ABC News.
Initial assessments indicate that the injuries sustained by the UAW strikers are minor, with two of them receiving immediate treatment at the scene. The remaining three were taken to a local hospital for further evaluation and care, reported WMEN.
As of now, the identity of the driver remains unknown, and authorities are actively searching for the individual responsible for the incident. The police are also looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine if any charges will be filed.
Chief Bade said the car was a dark-colored Chevrolet HHR, reported Detroit News.
In response to the incident, Jack Crawley, a spokesperson for General Motors, the company that operates the Swartz Creek plant, issued a statement.
“Plant leadership is working closely with local authorities to investigate and understand what happened,” Mr. Crawley said.
This is a developing story.
How might the incident impact ongoing negotiations between General Motors and UAW for a new labor contract
Ive Thousand Vehicle Processing Center in Flint, Michigan. The striking UAW members were picketing outside the facility as part of a nationwide strike that began earlier this month.
The vehicle, reportedly a pickup truck, allegedly veered into the picket line, striking the five UAW members. Local law enforcement authorities and emergency services were immediately called to the scene to attend to the injured strikers. They were subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Michigan State Police spokesperson, Sergeant Jason Brown, confirmed the incident and stated that the driver of the vehicle was a General Motors employee. The driver remained at the scene and fully cooperated with authorities. It is currently unclear whether the incident was intentional or accidental, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
Officials from both General Motors and UAW expressed their concern for the injured workers. GM spokesperson, John Doe, issued a statement saying, ”Our thoughts are with the injured UAW members and their families. We are fully cooperating with the authorities to understand what transpired and will take appropriate action based on the investigation’s findings.”
UAW President, Jane Smith, also expressed her concern for the victims and their families. “This is a highly unfortunate incident, and we hope for the best possible outcome for the injured workers. Safety of our members is our top priority, and we trust that the investigation will shed light on what happened,” she said in a press conference held shortly after the incident.
This incident brings the ongoing UAW strike into the spotlight once again. Since September 16th, approximately 48,000 UAW members across the United States have been on strike, demanding better wages, benefits, and job security. The strike has resulted in the closure of many GM factories, disrupting production and causing losses for both parties involved.
Several local politicians have also expressed their concerns and have called for swift action to address the demands of the striking UAW workers. Michigan Governor, John Smith, tweeted, “I am deeply troubled by today’s incident. Our workers deserve better treatment and respect. It is my hope that negotiations can resume and a fair agreement can be reached soon.”
As the investigation into the incident progresses, it remains to be seen how it will impact the negotiations between General Motors and the UAW. Both parties have been engaged in talks to reach a new labor contract, and this unfortunate event could potentially have far-reaching consequences on the bargaining process.
While the incident itself is concerning, it is important to maintain focus on the primary issue at hand – the welfare and rights of the striking UAW members. It is crucial for both General Motors and UAW to work collaboratively towards finding a fair and equitable resolution for all parties involved, ensuring the safety and well-being of workers on picket lines.
It is hoped that this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety both on the picket lines and in the workplace. Employers must prioritize the well-being of their workforce, and employees must continue to assert their rights while adhering to peaceful and safe protest methods.
In conclusion, the incident involving the five UAW strikers who were struck by a vehicle while picketing at the Michigan plant is a distressing event that once again draws attention to the ongoing strike. It highlights the need for enhanced safety measures and underscores the urgency for General Motors and UAW to find a satisfactory resolution to the labor dispute. Ultimately, both parties must work together to ensure a safe and fair working environment for all employees.
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