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UAW strike day 8: Strike pay kicks in as workers are still picketing

Posted at 4:54 AM, Sep 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-23 17:40:40-04

(WXYZ) — Picketers are still on the line as the UAW strike reaches day eight, which means strike pay kicks in.

Strike pay is essentially $250 per week, just a small amount of workers' normal salary.

Back on day one, workers admitted that what happens next is up to their team making deals behind the scenes. But publicly, the UAW made it clear - they hit the line because GM offered too little.

By day two, 7 Action News reported that GM stopped healthcare coverage for workers effective Sept. 17, after initially saying it had been paid through the end of the month.

On day three, it was announced that Canadian workers at the Oshawa plant in Ontario were being temporarily laid off as a result of the strike. On day four, 7 Action News reported that local and international auto parts suppliers were beginning to look at cutting their own workforces, as GM plants they sell to were essentially idled by the strike.

Negotiations are still ongoing.

On Sunday, crowds joined striking workers outside of the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant for "Solidarity Sunday." Plant workers called on faith leaders and the public to stand by them as they demand better wages, affordable quality healthcare and job security.

Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren also stopped by the plant, lending support to UAW workers.