'We Just Want To Share In The Profits': Tens Of Thousands Of General Motors Workers Go On Strike
LANGHORNE, Pa. (CBS) -- Tens of thousands of General Motors workers went on strike overnight, including people in the Delaware Valley. Nearly 50,000 GM workers are on the picket line instead of the assembly line as the nationwide strike impacts nine states, including Pennsylvania.
Some 60 to 70 employees at the GM Parts Distribution Center in Langhorne, Bucks County are on strike. It's the union's first national strike in more than a decade.
The last national strike involving United Auto Workers was in 2007 and lasted just two days.
Several UAW members are picketing outside the GM facility in Langhorne.
Their signs read "UAW On Strike."
Union members say they're fighting for fair wages, affordable quality health care and job security.
During the strike, union workers are paid $250 a week, much less than what they earn while on the job.
They say they will strike as long as they need to.
"We want a fair and equitable contract for our members," UAW's Kieran Martin said. "They deserve it. We've been here through the good times and the bad times. Now it's the good times and we just want to share in the profits. That's all, simple as that."
Depending on how long the strike lasts, GM vehicle owners in the area could feel the impact of the strike.
"If they can't get parts for your car, it's going to be hard to get it repaired, isn't it?" Martin said.
Automotive experts say GM has 11 weeks' worth of cars, trucks and SUVs in its inventory.
There is no word on how long this walkout might last.
