Flex-N-Gate workers in Chicago vote to unionize with UAW amid pressure
Editorial StaffFlex-N-Gate Workers Vote to Join United Auto Workers Union
CHICAGO — Employees at the auto parts supplier Flex-N-Gate have made a decisive move to unionize under the United Auto Workers (UAW). The voting took place over two days, with the workforce of 370 successfully overcoming a fierce anti-union effort by the company. This campaign reportedly involved threats, intimidation, and even the dismissal of union supporters.
Flex-N-Gate, a key supplier for Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant, pays its Chicago workers wages starting at $17.50 per hour. This rate is significantly lower than the $25.12 starting wage for UAW production employees at Ford. The owner of Flex-N-Gate, Shahid Khan, is estimated to have a net worth of $13.3 billion.
UAW Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell commented on the victory, stating, “The workers of Flex-N-Gate just proved that no power on earth is stronger than solidarity—not even the Billionaire’s Club when the working class stands up together.” He noted the persistent efforts by management to hinder the unionization drive, adding, “We are proud to welcome them to the UAW family and we are going to work night and day with them to win the strong first contract they deserve.”
In a 195-to-126 vote, the Flex-N-Gate workers decided to join the UAW. Although there were 29 ballots that were challenged, they were insufficient to alter the outcome.
The organizing committee at Flex-N-Gate released a joint message declaring, “It’s a brand-new day at Flex-N-Gate. We have won our union and we have won respect. Already, we have a powerful voice at our plant, and now we’ll begin working to win the fair pay, the good benefits and the time off with our families that every worker deserves.”
The UAW is already present at eight other Flex-N-Gate and Ventra parts plants owned by Khan. Earlier this summer, UAW members at the Ventra plant in Sandusky, Ohio, secured a robust new contract that included significant wage and benefit improvements.
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