FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 29, 2024
Media Contact: Aaron Pelo, apelo@miaflcio.org | 734.355.2741
Statement from Michigan AFL-CIO on Death of UAW Striker in Jackson
JACKSON, Mich. – A 23-year-old UAW Local 475 member on strike at Eaton Aerospace in Jackson was killed Saturday night when a truck drove through a crowd of picketers. Several others were injured including two who were hospitalized for critical injuries.
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the tragedy that occurred last night on the picket line at Eaton Aerospace,” said Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron BIEBER. “Striking is a fundamental right and every worker should feel free to walk the picket line safe from harm. Reckless driving near strike activity is absolutely unacceptable and our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and their UAW Local 475 brothers and sisters.”
“This is a devastating loss for the Jackson community and our union family,” said Jackson Mayor Daniel MAHONEY. “No one’s life should be endangered while they are making their voice heard. As a community, we all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our residents.”
A candlelight vigil for the victims will be held tonight at 6:00 p.m. in Jackson at the corner of Plymouth and East Ave.
The Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan’s largest labor organization, is a federation representing forty different labor organizations, eighteen different central labor councils, and eight constituency groups representing over 1 million union members and their families.
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