“Those workers are setting an example, they are starting a movement”
Canadian and US autoworkers voice support for striking maquiladora workers in Mexico
By
Shannon Jones
18 January 2019
US and Canadian autoworkers are voicing support for striking “maquiladora” workers in Matamoros, Mexico who are in rebellion against the companies and their union over low wages and sweatshop conditions. The striking workers include many employed by US and global auto parts suppliers who rely on their labor to fuel their massive profits.
An industry paper in Matamoros said the strike is costing sweatshop owners $23,000 a minute as it continues.
News of the powerful walkout by Mexican workers is being blacked out by the North American media conglomerates. The action is producing fear in ruling circles over the possibility of workers in the US and across Mexico and North America following the lead of the Matamoros workers who are breaking out of the straitjacket imposed by the pro-corporate unions.
On Thursday a WSWS Autoworker Newsletter reporting team visited the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck plant, one of five factories in the US and Canada targeted for closure as part of management plans to axe some 15,000 hourly and salaried jobs.
Reporters spoke to autoworkers about the Matamoros strikes as well as the February 9 demonstration at GM headquarters in Detroit called by the Steering Committee of the Coalition of Rank-and-File Committees against plant closings and layoffs. The demonstration has been called to promote a united fight by US, Canadian and Mexican workers in defense of jobs.
Cherie is a worker at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck plant with 15 years’ seniority. When told that workers in Matamoros, Mexico had struck and formed their own committees,…