GM strikers and security clash at Spring Hill plant 10 arrests made since strike began
Spring Hill TN Sept 24 2019
Striking members of the United Auto Workers and a driver reportedly clashed at an entrance to the Spring Hill plant on Thursday, according to reports from the Maury County Sheriff’s Department.
Danielle Maxwell, a 38-year-old contracted security officer at the plant told police by phone that she was driving through the plant’s north gate when a group of UAW protesters approached her vehicle, causing her to bump into one of the strikers as they encroached on her Dodge truck.
“Ms. Maxwell stated that the protesters went on General Motors property and surrounded the truck and were keeping her from leaving,” Deputy Ted Wray said in his report of the incident. “Ms. Maxwell said no one hit the truck but they yelled and cussed at her. She drove slowly past the protesters.”
Maxwell has filed a report of non-threatening harassment and the authorities have not issued any charges.
A second report from the department indicates that Robert Renolds, a UAW member, told authorities that he was clipped by the Dodge truck as it traveled at a slow speed through the north entrance.
“He did say he was walking on the road directly in front of the vehicle,” Deputy Corey Betts wrote in his report. “I explained to Robert that it is wrong for a vehicle to intentionally hit a person but I also explained to him that it is unlawful for a person to obstruct the flow of traffic on a roadway, and that he is putting his own safety at risk by knowingly crossing the road in front of any vehicle.”
Sam Lamar, the plant’s chief of security, also spoke with the deputy confirming that Maxwell was the driver of the vehicle.
At least 10 Spring Hill UAW members have been arrested since the strike began last Sunday, including chapter president Timothy Stannard who allegedly stood directly in front of a truck trying to enter the plant.
Stannard, 61, has been the Local 1853 president for three terms of three years each. He was re-elected in 2017 and faces another campaign for his job in 2020. More than 3,600 GM employees have been striking locally. Another 1,500 have been picketing as vendors who service the sprawling plant.
The 10 strikers were all allegedly arrested attempting to block trucks and other vehicles from entering the facility.
District Attorney Brent Cooper said all would be charged with disorderly conduct.
“This takes us off of our message, which is to restore our health-care benefits, and let’s get a good agreement and get back to work,” UAW Local 1853 Chairman Mike Herron said at a news conference on Thursday.”
GM told the UAW on Monday night that it was cutting health insurance benefits to all members, effective immediately.
“Our people were not being aggressive,” Herron said. “They were trying to make a point that’s important to them.”
Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles stood beside Herron during the press conference sharing his support for those on strike but called on the strikers to follow the rules of the law as they continue to protest and picket the facility.
“We support the UAW members’ right to strike and protest,” Ogles said. “But please do not do anything to get arrested. I do not want to see anyone else in handcuffs. That is not the narrative that I want to see.”
Ogles, a political conservative who said he would never call himself pro-union said the automaker should immediately restore coverage.
“I am calling on GM, and CEO Mary Barra, to restore the benefits,” Ogles said. “It was a low blow and entirely unnecessary.”
The average UAW member is scheduled to picket at least four hours a week. They will receive $250 a week in strike pay from the union during the duration of the walkout.
The strike is estimated to cost GM roughly $50 million to $100 million per day in lost production as negotiators discuss wages, health insurance costs, use of temporary workers, plants scheduled to close and returning jobs from Mexico.
“A work stoppage impacts our employees, families, communities and the American economy,” the company said in a Tweet this week. “Negotiations have resumed, and our goal remains to reach an agreement that builds a stronger future for everyone.”
the daily herald
