For Immediate Release:

Friday, September 29, 2023

CONTACT: Jake Berent

(773) 612-4518
jberent@chicagolabor.org

Chicago FederaIon of Labor and the Illinois AFL-CIO Issue Joint Statement
on UAW Strike Expansion to Southside Chicago Ford Plant

“Earlier today, UAW President Shawn Fain announced that workers at the Chicago Assembly
Plant will join UAW members on the picket line in cities and states across the country.

President Fain’s announcement marks another turning point in the ‘stand-up strike.’

The Chicago Assembly Plant is a key contributor to both Chicago and the Southeast side’s local
economy, employing nearly 4,000 workers.

UAW Local 551’s presence in the plant has long supported the Chicago economy with
significant job growth and access to good-paying, union jobs with quality benefits that provide
pathways to education and professional growth on Chicago’s south side.

Members of the UAW are standing up for their families, co-workers and community. CEOs have
cashed in on the sacrifices auto workers made 14-16 years ago. And while this historic strike is
audacious in breaking the mold in taking on the Big Three all at once, this strike is
fundamentally about fairness and equity across the board.

UAW’s fight is rooted in the same struggle that workers all over this country are engaged in for
a better future — and at home in Chicago and Illinois, workers are making it clear that there is
no place for corporate greed in their communities.”

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