The Spark

the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist

“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx

Lordstown Lawsuit

Jan 7, 2013

A group of 28 General Motors autoworkers from the Lordstown Assembly Plant in Ohio are suing both GM and the UAW after a change in classification cut their pay by more than 40 percent.

According to their attorney, Ken Myers of Cleveland: “Over several years, the company deprived these people of higher wages and seniority while the union stood by and did nothing.”

GM and the UAW tried to have the case thrown out, but at the end of December, a judge ruled that the workers had a strong enough case for it to be heard in court.

Workers are seeking back pay, plus reinstatement to permanent positions with Tier 1 pay and benefits.

No matter what the outcome, it is encouraging to see 28 workers stick together and fight for their rights in such a David vs. Goliath situation.

Which group of workers will be next? The bigger the band, the sweeter the music!