Detroit Today: Gary Peters explains why he’s supporting UAW members

The Michigan Democratic Senator talks about why he supports unions, why unions are critical for a strong middle class, and why he hopes the auto companies will offer fair negotiations with the UAW soon. 

image001

It’s been about a week since the United Auto Worker strikes began, and it appears like they won’t end soon. Over that time, UAW members have received support from Democrats, both outside and within state lines. Even Republicans like former President Donald Trump recently made plans to join the union members on the picket line. 

One of the prominent Democratic supporters of the UAW members in this talk has been Michigan Senator Gary Peters. 


Subscribe to Detroit Today on Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsNPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.


Guest

U.S. Senator Gary Peters is a Democrat from Michigan. He says he has always been a strong supporter of unions and they are critical to creating and sustaining a healthy middle class. 

“Folks across the country realize that when it comes to wages and benefits there needs to be more fairness,” says Peters. “Public support for unions is the highest it has been since 1963.”

Editor’s note: Some employees of WDET are members of UAW Local 1979 — a different bargaining group that’s unaffected by these negotiations.

Listen to Detroit Today with host Stephen Henderson weekdays from 9-10 a.m. ET on 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand.

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Donate today »

Author

  • Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.