TOLEDO, Ohio — On Wednesday, United Auto Workers and Ford reached a tentative agreement while General Motors and Stellantis continue to work towards a deal to end the strike.
Strikers at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo said the Ford-UAW agreement is a step in the right direction.
Tim Crites took a day off from working at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan on Thursday to show support to his fellow union members outside the Toledo Jeep Plant.
"They're holding the line down for all of us. I appreciate that so much," said Crites. "That's why I grabbed the burgee from my local and came down here to be with my brothers and sisters. That's what it's about."
Crites said the tentative agreement that Ford made with the UAW shows progress in the weeks of negotiations with the Big 3. All Ford workers have stopped striking and are back on the job.
"I know that Shawn Fain has been holding the line for quite a bit and not giving in," said Crites. "I thought 'Wow, if he's reaching a tentative agreement, maybe we've got something here,' and I'm glad Ford Motor Company has stepped up to do that."
Greg Harman has worked at the Toledo Assembly Complex for over 20 years and hopes the Ford deal will add pressure to Stellantis and GM.
"I was excited about it. We're moving forward and I hope the rest of us move forward like Ford does," said Harman. "We gave them a lot in 2009 and we never got that back totally."
"If you can't live on a 40-hour check then you're in trouble," said Crites. "I feel for all my brothers and sisters who are bringing home $500 a week and feeding families."
But those on the line remain steadfast in their message.
"Keep going Fain," said Harman. "Let's do this and get it over with, and if we got to shut more plants down, then let's do it. Let's make a point."
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