Schumer joins the picket line, marches with striking auto workers in New York

The union has demanded wage hikes up of up to 40%, inflation adjustments, a return of traditional pensions, and a 32-hour work week for no drop in pay.

By Ben Whedon

Published: September 26, 2023 3:34pm

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday joined striking auto workers in New York in a show of solidarity with the United Auto Workers, who have staged labor walkouts at major manufacturers seeking wage hikes and the return of pensions.

The union has demanded wage hikes up of up to 40%, inflation adjustments, a return of traditional pensions, and a 32-hour work week for no drop in pay. President Joe Biden joined auto workers in Michigan on Tuesday and endorsed some of their demands.

Schumer, for his part, visited Tappan, N.Y., were local members of the UAW were picketing.

"My father, who was a union guy taught me... when you're doing something important, look in your heart, make sure its the right thing," he told strikers. "And then if you persist and persist and persist, God will reward you and you will succeed. We are going to persist and we are going to succeed."

"We are going to persist and we are going to succeed!" - @SenSchumer on the #UAW Local 3039 picket in Tappan, NY. @uawregion9 #StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/NnVsX76DXi

— UAW (@UAW) September 26, 2023

The union initially planned to conduct targeted strikes and three key facilities, but has since broadened its efforts to 38 facilities belonging to General Motors and Stellantis. The union is also striking at at least one Ford facility.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.