Nov 3, 2019 2 min read

Everyone heard about the 48,000 UAW-GM union workers who waged an historic strike that ended in October when a new labor deal was approved. Across our commonwealth, UAW-represented workers at two more companies also went on strike, at Langeloth Metallurgical in Washington County, and Mack Truck in Macungie and Middletown.

This year alone, we have witnessed workers standing up and taking collective action on the job, more than they have in decades. While GM and Mack Trucks have successfully resolved their negotiations, the brothers and sisters of Langeloth Metallurgical remain on strike in Washington County. They’ve been out on the picket line since Sept 9. Our Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, representing more than 700,000 union members across our commonwealth, stands with these workers fighting for dignity on the job.

Union members of the United Autoworkers are standing up for job security, living wages, health care, the rights of temporary workers and their rightful share in the company’s success. We know the sacrifices workers make when the make the decision to strike. When workers stand together on the line, they make a difference for all of us. Supporting our brothers and sisters is the foundation of solidarity, and those workers need our help.

We hope this strike ends soon, but until then, the union movement will continue to stand with workers on the picket line at Langeloth Metallurgical one day longer.

Rick Bloomingdale

Harrisburg

Bloomingdale is the president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.