Reaction from politicians to UAW strike against GM (Obama, Clinton, Edwards)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/business-13/1190669414229650.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

Reaction from politicians to UAW strike against GM

9/24/2007, 6:25 p.m. EDT
The Associated Press

(AP) — Reaction from presidential hopefuls and members of Congress to the decision Monday by the United Auto Workers union to strike against General Motors Corp.:

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"I stand with the 73,000 United Automobile Workers who are striking General Motors. The demands the union is fighting for — job security, the health benefits they were promised — are things that all workers should expect and that UAW members deserve. General Motors owes it to the UAW to come back to the bargaining table so that union members can go back to work." — Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

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"There is a role for presidential leadership. Over the last several years the Big Three automakers and the UAW sought repeatedly to have a meeting in the White House with the president to talk about the issues that affected our auto industry and they were rebuffed repeatedly. Finally there was a meeting that occurred with no follow-up." — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.

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"I offer my strong support to the striking auto workers and look forward to a fair and speedy settlement that will improve the lives of these hardworking UAW members. And I call on General Motors to do what is right and realize that it has a responsibility to negotiate fairly and move quickly to settle a contract that respects the health, safety and economic security of the auto workers and their families." — Former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C.

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"It is unfortunate that it came to this. I hope both sides can come to a mutually agreeable settlement as soon as possible." — Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

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"As Michigan faces incredibly difficult economic times, I am very disappointed that the United Auto Workers could not come to an adequate agreement with the management of Michigan's largest and most important job provider, General Motors. There were numerous other options to the union that did not involve hurting the paychecks of Michigan families or letting down the future security of their members' jobs. As General Motors has recently taken positive steps forward, this decision is a step backward. This strike will not turn one outbound moving van around." — Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich.

[gateley]

1. A question (again -- I'm always asking questions):

Do you know what the issues of the strike are? The points they can't come to an agreement on? I know it's pretty judgmental and close minded of me, but even without knowing, I naturally assume that GM's at fault. Anyway, I'm curious -- any education is appreciated!