A United Auto Workers (UAW) member, 23, was fatally struck in Jackson during a collision involving alleged drag racing on Saturday night, with four additional picketers hospitalized due to the crash. According to a statement made by UAW Local 475 President Donnie Huffman to The Detroit News, two pickup trucks were drag racing on Michigan Avenue when one driver lost control, veering onto the sidewalk where union members were picketing near the Eaton Corp. plant, a site of ongoing labor action since September 16.
While racing down the road, "One of the drivers lost control of his truck and hopped a curb ― from the sounds and looks of things, it went airborne, and it went into five of our members," Huffman explained. The Jackson Police Department, led by Sgt. Justin Thoresen, has opted for discretion during the ongoing investigation, declining to comment but promising a press release is forthcoming. Huffman, sharing recollections with the press, remembered the deceased worker as "a great kid" who enjoyed helping people, as per The Detroit News.
Responding to the tragedy, Jackson's Mayor Daniel Mahoney spoke to the sorrow permeating the community and the UAW family in the wake of the incident. “This is a devastating loss for the Jackson community and our union family. No one’s life should be endangered while they are making their voice heard. As a community, we all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our residents," Mahoney said in remarks to wilx.
In a display of solidarity with the affected workers and grieving community, a candlelight vigil was held last night, as reported by woodtv.
Meanwhile, workers' safety concerns have prompted a tactical change in protest strategies. "To keep members safe, the group has decided to stop picketing on Michigan Ave. past 8 p.m.," said Huffman in a statement obtained by wilx, acknowledging the underlying risks that a vehicular mishap can impose unexpectedly on roadside strikers. Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber aired his concerns, “We are deeply saddened to learn about the tragedy that occurred last night on the picket line at Eaton Aerospace. Striking is a fundamental right, and every worker should feel free to walk the picket line safe from harm. Reckless driving near-strike activity is absolutely unacceptable, and our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and their UAW Local 475 brothers and sisters.”
