General Motors reinstates healthcare coverage for workers on strike

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 27, 2019

FLINT, MI (09/27/19) — General Motors agreed Thursday to reinstate all health insurance coverage for its nearly 50,000 striking hourly workers. Friday, Flint Mayor, Dr. Karen W. Weaver, wrote CEO, Mary Barra, the following letter:

Ms. Mary Barra

Chair and CEO of General Motors

Dear Ms. Barra,

It is with much gratitude that I write this letter to express my appreciation for GM’s reconsideration and reinstatement of health care benefits to United Auto Workers (UAW) across this country. It is my hope that this is just an initial step to a path of swift resolution.

I should let you know that since 12 midnight on September 15th, when the first workers walked out of the GM Flint Assembly plant, I have been with these workers in show of support for a fair contract for workers. Since last Friday, my Chief Public Health Advisor and I have been talking with those on the line and to hear the stories of how their loss of health care benefits impacted them and their families was disheartening.

As you know both the UAW and GM hold a special place in the hearts and history of our City, the City of Flint, a City known for its fight, resiliency, and ability to come together to overcome setbacks. It is with this same spirit of grit and unity that I know that you will continue to work to resolve the differences before you and the UAW and again I commend you on this first and huge step forward.

In closing, I would like to avail myself in any way that you feel that I may assist in keeping our men and women working under fair conditions and producing cars here in the US.

Sincerely,

Karen W. Weaver, Mayor

City of Flint