Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Two Michigan Auto Supply Chains Join UAW

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

In the span of 24 hours, workers at Ground Effects and Webasto Detroit both voted in National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) elections to join the UAW.

Ground Effects workers make spray-on truck bedliners, in addition to other aftermarket parts and customizations, while members who work for Webasto Detroit produce hard top roofs, primarily for the Ford Bronco. Both sets of auto supply workers came together in their respective facilities to organize for a fair voice on the job.

“I’m thrilled we finally won our union. I’ve worked at Webasto for many years. We’re overworked and underpaid. We’re the ones who make money for the company. For too long, we’ve gotten nothing but disrespect from management. I’m ready for some mutual respect,” said Shara Bell, a quality technician for Webasto Detroit.

“Ground Effects workers just showed what courage and determination can do,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “These workers stood together and stood strong against the underhanded anti-union tactics coming from the boss and their hired guns. Now, Ground Effects workers will have the right to sit with management as equals and negotiate a contract that gives them the dignity and respect they deserve.”