FENTON, MO (KTVI - FOX2now.com) -
More than 1,000 union members, mostly Chrysler workers, gathered outside the two Fenton plants Friday in a last ditch effort to save their jobs. The goal was to get the attention of the public and politicians in an effort to put political pressure on Chrysler to reconsider closing the Dodge Ram and Dodge Mini Van plants. UAW Vice President Ben Harman admits saving the plants is a long shot.
"You can call it a Hail Mary, you can call it a last stand," he says. "But what we're really trying to do is public awareness. Let's face it, from what we're hearing our plant's done."
Their argument is straightforward. Chrysler is closing eight of its U.S. plants, including the two in Fenton. Meanwhile plants in Mexico and Canada remain in operation. All this comes as the U.S. taxpayer is spending billions to bail out Chrysler.
"This is about $12 billion the US taxpayer gave this corporation and they're taking it across the border right in front of us," Harman says.
Chrysler worker Cliff Watson finds it hard to believe, "I can't understand how they justify Mexico making Dodge Rams and they shut this plant down."
Whether their message will reach the people who can make a difference remains at best unclear, at worst, unlikely. But they find their last hope in the hands of politicians on whom they blame many of their problems.
Chrysler worker Correan Benson says she's mad and she's disappointed, "These politicians are selling us out, Republicans and Democrats! I'm sick of both of 'em!"
The rally is being sponsored by SaveMOJobs.com and the UAW.
"You can call it a Hail Mary, you can call it a last stand," he says. "But what we're really trying to do is public awareness. Let's face it, from what we're hearing our plant's done."
Their argument is straightforward. Chrysler is closing eight of its U.S. plants, including the two in Fenton. Meanwhile plants in Mexico and Canada remain in operation. All this comes as the U.S. taxpayer is spending billions to bail out Chrysler.
"This is about $12 billion the US taxpayer gave this corporation and they're taking it across the border right in front of us," Harman says.
Chrysler worker Cliff Watson finds it hard to believe, "I can't understand how they justify Mexico making Dodge Rams and they shut this plant down."
Whether their message will reach the people who can make a difference remains at best unclear, at worst, unlikely. But they find their last hope in the hands of politicians on whom they blame many of their problems.
Chrysler worker Correan Benson says she's mad and she's disappointed, "These politicians are selling us out, Republicans and Democrats! I'm sick of both of 'em!"
The rally is being sponsored by SaveMOJobs.com and the UAW.
Digg
Twitter
Facebook
StumbleUpon
