TOLEDO, Ohio — In a closed-door meeting Tuesday afternoon, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain addressed members of UAW Local 12, many of whom are preparing for job losses after the holidays.
Stellantis' Toledo Assembly Complex, Mobis North America and KUKA all announced permanent or indefinite layoffs affecting more than 1,400 autoworkers earlier this month.
While some workers left the meeting feeling reassured, others expressed frustration, stating that they didn't get any answers from Fain regarding the uncertainty surrounding their jobs.
One meeting goer included Kamari Whitaker, who's been a Jeep worker for more than six years. She said she recently transitioned from part-time to full-time after last year’s strike. Now she's grappling with the challenges of raising her four-year-old son amid financial uncertainty.
“I want my union dues back," she said. "I paid way too much to get nothing in the end."
Tyler Wilhelm, another worker who may be getting laid off. But he is optimistic after Fain's talk. He told WTOL 11 that Fain encouraged the workers during the meeting, telling them to stay strong and remain in solidarity.
UAW Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower said UAW leaders are committed to getting the member's jobs back.
"[We] keep working on it every single day and keep talking to the company," Baumhower said. "One of the first things I think we need to do is tell the company to lower the prices of our vehicles so that we can get more orders and that we can get our guys and girls back to work," he continued.