In June, the Wolfskeel Club of CPUSA mobilized in solidarity with nearly 1,000 members of UAW Local 2093 at the American Axle plant in Three Rivers, Michigan. The strike began at midnight on May 31 after contract negotiations failed, marking the first work stoppage at the Three Rivers facility since the Great Recession in 2008.

Our club organized carpooling to the picket line, bringing members and allies from Southwest Michigan DSA, Social Justice Alliance of Cass County, Coalition 4 Democracy, Cass County Democratic Party, Green Party of Michigan, and IBEW members. We raised over $100 in gift cards and other supplies, as well as delivered toiletries requested by the union—joining donations that filled a third of the union hall floor.

Workers on the picket line shared their stories with us. In 2008, they took massive concessions to save the plant from closure, with their wages cut from $29 an hour to $14.50 overnight. Eighteen years later, wages still topped out at only $22 an hour. One worker described being forced to work 20 straight days with only a single day off—a schedule kept for two years. High turnover has left only 80 legacy members from the last strike in a plant of 1,000. Workers spoke of terrible 401k terms requiring 6% contributions before any company match, wages that hadn’t kept up with inflation, and upper management completely out of touch with floor realities.

Meanwhile, the company has generated $8.4 billion in profits over the last decade, with the CEO paid $111 million and the top five executives receiving nearly $231 million—while some workers struggled to afford basic needs, with a few even forced to sleep in their cars.

Spirits on the picket line remained high despite the hardship. Workers expressed that striking was the only way to support their families and win respect. After 10 days on the line, a tentative agreement was reached on June 10. Members voted 80% in favor. The new contract secures $30/hour by 2030—a 36% increase—with legacy workers receiving an immediate $8/hour raise. It includes no healthcare premium increases for the life of the contract, a $2,000 ratification bonus, nine additional vacation days, and new paid holidays including MLK Day and Veterans Day.

UAW President Shawn Fain declared: “After 18 years of sacrifice, these workers are finally winning back a big chunk of what was taken from them”. Workers returned to their jobs on June 15. The Wolfskeel Club remains committed to labor solidarity and the fight for working-class justice.

The opinions of the author do not necessarily reflect the positions of the CPUSA.

Image: CPUSA members and its allies on the picket line supporting the UAW American Axle strike. CPUSA. Creative Commons.