HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 − House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody said members today welcomed United Auto Workers Local 677, currently striking for job security, benefits and wages at Mack Trucks manufacturing plants, to speak about the ongoing battle to rebuild the middle class.

“We couldn’t be prouder to stand in solidarity with these hard-working Pennsylvanians as they fight to make sure the economy helps everyone, not just the corporate executives down in North Carolina,” Dermody said. “You can’t sustain the middle class without these workers on the job, and we’re ready to do what we can to support them.”

Dermody said the workers were invited by Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, home of the United Auto Workers Local 677, whose members work at Mack Trucks facilities throughout Pennsylvania.

“There’s nothing more American than a Mack truck, unless you’re talking about a union job that pays a wage you can raise a family on, offers benefits to support that family, and makes sure every worker has a chance to retire and let a new worker join the team,” Schweyer said. “These men and women want to get back to work, the local managers want these hard-working professionals back on the lines, and the greater Allentown area needs these people shopping and supporting local businesses. I have their backs 100 percent.”

“It’s been nearly 40 years since a strike shut down the Mack Trucks plant, which tells you how serious these workers’ concerns are,” Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie and Democratic chairman of the House Labor & Industry Committee, said. “UAW workers are proud to build Mack trucks. They are proud to work for a company with more than a century’s worth of experience building a product that everyone knows is tough and built to last. But they also want to make sure workers get paid a fair wage and share in the success of a company and a region. When I was a Teamster, my brothers and sisters and I never wanted to strike or have work stoppages, but when our pay, our safety, or our communities were at risk, we stood up and took action just like these UAW workers are taking action. We need to stand with them.”

Information provided to TVL by:
Mike Herzing on behalf of,
State Rep. Frank Dermody
House Democratic Leader
www.pahouse.com/Dermody

 

 

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