When Taylor Meinershagen started as a warehouse worker at General Motors' Roanoke parts distribution center in May, her definition of working mother included cradling and breastfeeding her 7-week-old baby, Blair, on the picket line. That was not included.
Minorshagen and her boyfriend, Donavoan Huerta, were employees at GM's money-making plant in Arlington, trying to win higher wages and benefits from their employer, one of the prestigious Detroit Big Three. He's part of the fighting United Auto Workers union.
She relies on $500 a week in strike pay from her union, while her boyfriend's large assembly plant, which makes profitable full-size SUVs, is closed to auto workers during the 2009 financial crisis. It has become an important cog in the UAW's strategy to regain lost interests.
“It's definitely stressful. We had to budget and pull out, but thankfully the union prepared us for this,” Meinerschagen said. Told. “We are entering the holiday season, but we don't know when it will end. [Blair] I have a monthly schedule for a while. So thinking about how to cover it all becomes stressful. ”
The union reported on Friday progress in contract negotiations with GM, Ford and Stellantis as the strike enters its fourth week. No new strike sites were added to the 25,000 workers on picket lines in multiple states.
Meinershagen was one of about 200 employees at parts centers in Roanoke and Carrollton who participated in the work stoppage. 2 weeks ago.
“I work with what I get.”
Meinerschagen and Huerta are not only obligated to strike as parents.
Zach Welton, who has worked as a warehouse worker at Stellantis' Carrollton distribution center since it opened more than 25 years ago, said he has already cut back on what he can provide for his two sons, who are in middle school and high school. .
“We try to let our kids be kids, but we had to sit them down and say, 'Hey, our lifestyle has to change a little bit.' said Welton. “All the frivolous things we used to do, like eating out, were completely cut out.”
Welton said her sons play sports to distract themselves, but she worries about what will happen if the strike drags on.
“We're trying to save for college and this is really holding us back,” Welton said. “On top of that, we're still trying to pay our bills and pay for our groceries and everything we need. It's definitely not what we're used to, but we're working with what we've got. We will be fine.”
Meinerschagen and Huerta are not so lucky. Their infants require constant attention.
“We're new parents, so we're worried about that from the get-go. So even if we're on strike, we have to make sure we have the things we need, like diapers. No one knows that. Because there isn’t,” Huerta said.
Meinerschagen, Huerta and Welton all said they would be open to taking other jobs if needed.
“I'm not there yet, but my wife and I are talking about it,” Welton said. “We'll have to see what the future holds.”
Life on the picket line
Although polls show the public largely supports the striking UAW members, picketers say they are still treated with disdain by some passersby.
“There's a guy who drives by every morning and he always slows down and honks his horn and gives me his old No. 1,” Welton said. “I've had to learn to ignore a lot of things. There are a lot of idiots in this world. So I just keep going and do my thing and they'll do theirs.” right.”
Adam Martinez, president of UAW Local 816, said picket lines in Roanoke can be nerve-racking.
“The truckers here drive 18-wheelers, so when it gets dark and dawn approaches, they can't see us,” Martinez said. “They're just flying here because they're not expecting to see anyone. They could really hurt someone.”
Then it got hot. After a sweltering Texas summer, temperatures were still above 90 degrees in late September and early October. The Strikers will have a little bit of weather this weekend.
“It's hot, it's harsh and it's not comfortable, but I want to be compensated and it's worth it,” Meinerschagen said. “[Blair] I don't understand it now. But it was important to me that she be here with us. That means for her, she'll be able to look back one day and say, “Her parents fought for me.'' ”
