DETROIT – The longest-running major strike in our state has failed to garner the same level of media attention as the UAW strike and the Detroit casino workers’ strike.
About 1,100 Blue Cross Blue Shield workers have been striking for more than 40 days. They want to abolish the multi-tiered pay structure, stop the outsourcing of jobs, increase pay and enhance retiree benefits.
Their union is urging UAW President Shawn Fain to visit the picket line. They also want some information about what’s going on at the bargaining table.
“You feel like you do a good job, and the company does not come forth with a good faith offer,” said Joseph McIntyre, a striking employee.
Blue Cross Blue Shield employees like McIntyre are responsible for communicating with customers in the call center. They are UAW members and the first to go on strike, preceding both auto workers and casino workers. However, they feel abandoned, having spent 40 days on strike without much communication from the company or their union.
Alecia Green has worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield for decades.
“I am a 39-year employee and have not received a raise in 13 years,” Green said.
When seeking updates on the Blue Cross Blue Shield negotiations from the UAW, Local 4 was told that no status updates were available.
