WENTZVILLE, Mo. — Nearly 500 autoworkers in Wentzville fought for safer conditions and better pay.
Workers from the Lear Seating Assembly Plant are on strike. The union vice president told 5 On Your Side they walked off the job because they feared their health and safety were being put at risk daily.
Tuesday afternoon, UAW Local 282 President Bill Hugebeck elaborated on those health concerns: "We have several repetitive injuries, such as carpal tunnel, elbows, backs."
Union leaders and Lear will be at the negotiation table Tuesday, according to union leaders.
The strike started early Monday morning. Lear is responsible for making seats in several cars, including for the General Motors plant across the street.
The strike put 4,000 people out of work at the Wentzville GM plant on Monday because they had to stop production due to a shortage of parts.
Wentzville's GM plant is also part of the UAW, but their members are with local 2250. Hugebeck said 2250 has been very supportive.
They've opened up their local to us 24/7, so they have someone up there making sure it's open and we have what we need," Hugebeck said.
Lear workers said labor negotiations fell through between their union and the company.
5 On Your Side is still working to learn if work at General Motors has resumed production Tuesday morning, but GM said no other plans are currently impacted.
GM released a statement Monday and said they hope both sides can come to an agreement quickly.
“We have negotiated in good faith with the UAW for some time to reach a new collective bargaining agreement for our Wentzville, Missouri, seating assembly plant," a statement from a Lear spokesperson read. "Despite progress in the negotiations, the union informed us early on July 22 of their decision to strike. Lear Corporation stands firm in supporting our employees and the communities in which we operate. With over 100 years in the automotive industry, we pride ourselves on our successful relationships with our employees and union partners. We remain committed to reaching an agreement that will benefit all parties.”