Union members march in Detroit as strikes continue
Casino, auto industry and health care workers were among the marching union members. Bargaining leaders and supporters were also on hand.
President of UNITE HERE Local 24, Nia Winston, speaks at a rally for striking union members in Detroit on Oct. 19, 2023.
Thousands of striking health care, casino and auto industry workers marched through the streets of Detroit on Thursday.
Walks started at two of the city’s casinos and culminated in a rally at Hart Plaza. There, union leaders spoke about working conditions and economic treatment.
Margaret Mock, secretary-treasurer of the United Auto Workers union, spoke in support of striking Blue Cross Blue Shield workers.
“The fight at Blue Cross Blue Shield is everybody’s fight,” she said. “Workers at Blue Cross are fighting a company that wants to take over 20 years to get to top wage.”
Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist was also in attendance. He says the governor’s office is in support of striking workers.
“These folks that are working hard every day and are standing up… they want a fair contract and I think that’s going to be what’s good for our economy and Michigan going forward,” he said. “We want to see it as soon as possible.”
The autoworkers strike against Detroit’s car companies is entering its fifth week. Union President Shawn Fain will give an update on those discussions later today.
