The Democratic Party supports the right of every worker to join a labor union and to collectively bargain for higher wages and benefits. Furthermore, UAW members/retirees in this county have been an important part of our organization for many years.
Workers on strike will need help from their community – both moral and material support – to win a fair deal from GM that will benefit them and our entire community.
After discussing with union leaders and our officers here is the plan for the next few days:
1. The biggest needs that Local 1853 has right now are drinks and snacks.
2. Vicki Hale and I will take donations of water, Gatorade, chips, etc. You can either drop them by our houses or we will come to you to pick them up. Vicki and I will then make deliveries to the union hall in Spring Hill. This will help to reduce your mileage and save you time, while also avoiding crowding at the union hall.
3. If you live in Spring Hill, you can drop off directly at the UAW Local 1853 Hall on Stephen P. Yokich Blvd. Deliveries should be made to the ballroom (where we have the Heritage Dinner). They have a big storage room where non-perishable food items can be kept out of the way until needed.
4. If you live on the North side of Columbia or in the Eastern part of the county (Bear Creek Pike, etc.) then please contact Vicki Hale at 615-604-1893. Her house is at 1037 Pretender Way in Columbia.
5. If you live on the South side of Columbia or in the Western part of the county (Trotwood, Mt. Pleasant, Hampshire Pike, etc.) then please contact James Dallas at 713-254-4175. His house is at 1608 Mary Court in Columbia.
6. Do not bring perishable items. Do bring water, Gatorade, soda, small bags of chips, etc. These are items to keep striking workers hydrated and happy during their shifts.
7. In the event that the strike ends before we can make delivery we will donate the items to Harvest Share food bank instead.
8. If the strike goes on for more than a few days we will reconsider our plan.
9. Be respectful and supportive of picketers. Drive carefully! Waving and honking are fine but be sure to keep your eyes on the road. Safety first!