LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Thirty-five Democratic members of the Michigan House and six Republicans offered up Resolution 34 on Thursday which declares February 11, 2023 as “White Shirt Day” in the state of Michigan. The resolution was adopted.

The resolution recognizes Michigan’s members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) as they gather to mark the 85th anniversary of their first contract with General Motors. It says, “This anniversary is a reflection of the extreme sacrifice, commitment, and determination of those first UAW members who paved the way for higher pay and improved benefits that have created a positive atmosphere for all of America’s working men and women. We remember those historic members on this anniversary.”

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To celebrate this anniversary, the resolution states, “UAW members and retirees will wear white shirts to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the famous Flint Sit-Down Strike in 1937. While the members of this distinguished organization celebrate the 85th anniversary of this event, we offer our thanks for the outstanding contributions they have made to the Flint community, our state, and our nation.”

They pointed out that the UAW’s White Shirt Day can be traced back to 1948 when Bert Christensen, a UAW member of Local 598, first suggested it. His idea was to ask that workers wear the white shirts traditionally worn by managers to show the company that they were equally important to the business. The shirts represent equal respect and treatment for blue-collar workers and the unity and strength of UAW members.

The resolution goes on to say that while members and officers of the UAW will be celebrating their past, they will also be “casting an eye to the future and to the many ways in which United Auto Workers will continue to serve the working men and women of this great country.”

White Shirt Day is also celebrated nationally by the UAW. This year marks the 86th annual celebration. Their Facebook page post about Saturday’s anniversary says, “In the face of anti-union sentiment, brutal working conditions, and low wages, men and women working for General Motors came together to orchestrate a historic sit-in, where they occupied the Flint factory and demanded a seat at the bargaining table with GM and won that right.”

Michigan Democrats in the House and Senate have made it clear that repealing the state’s 2012 “right-to-work” law is on their legislative agenda. If successful, Michigan would be the first state in about 60 years to get rid of this type of legislation. Jennifer Root, Executive Director of SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Michigan, told the Detroit Free Press last month, “Michigan should be the first. Michigan and unions in this state built the middle class in this country. There’s no reason we can’t do it again.”