Over 70 United Auto Workers at the Faurecia auto parts plant in Dexter hit the picket line on Tuesday to strike over work conditions. UAW Local Post 1930 said that the strike is over concerns about safety and pay.
Johnny Wright, who has been at the southeast Missouri plant for the past 50 years, told KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau that this is a first for him.
“We’ve never been on strike before, because sometimes, even at the last minute we were able to work out a deal to where both sides could be satisfied,” said Wright. “This year, this time for some reason that’s not happening.”
United Auto Workers Representative Jason Starr said he’s been trying to negotiate a deal.
“The company, unfortunately, right out of the gate made it very clear that their intentions were to undermine seniority, overtime rules and customs that they’ve had in place for decades at this facility,” he said.
The workers are also advocating for fair wages, equal treatment, and a “workplace that values health and dignity.”
UAW Local 1930 President Jack Bess told the TV station that his workers would rather be working than holding picket signs.
“It ain’t up to us,” Bess said. “It’s when they’re ready to talk and when they’re ready to get a contract done.”
The strike and picketing will continue until demands are met and a contract is made. The Faurecia office in Dexter has not commented on the strike.
Faurecia is a French global automotive supplier specializing in seating, interiors, and emissions control technology. The Dexter plant focuses on emissions control technologies for the automotive supplier.
Story courtesy of Missourinet partner KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau.
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