Chris Dodd for President

Senator Dodd issued this statement on the United Auto Workers strike:

"I commend the UAW for courageously taking a stand for good pay with real benefits for their members. They are making a statement on behalf of not only their workers, but on behalf of workers all across the country, who face losing their health care benefits or even their jobs everyday. UAW is sending the right message to American companies who talk about American jobs while shipping those same jobs overseas. The status quo is no longer acceptable.

"It is unconscionable that we are in this position to begin with, however. In a country as rich as America, we need to ensure that we have a health care system that provides access for middle class families. All Americans should stand with UAW workers in solidarity, but also, all Americans should stand up for a health care plan in this country that doesn't entice corporations like Chrysler to save money and send jobs elsewhere."

Senator Dodd talks to caucus goers in Ottumwa, Iowa at a UAW Hall.

Chris Dodd on United Auto Workers union walk out from General Motors:

"The United Auto Workers is taking a brave step forward on behalf of all union members today by standing up for their very basic rights to organize and fight for quality and secure health care for their members. I have long supported the right to collectively bargain, the need for safe workplaces, fair wages, and secure retirements for our nation's workers. I find it terribly discouraging that such a prominent company as General Motors does not appear to share these beliefs, and is putting other priorities ahead of the health and well-being of its workers. Working people in this country are the key to a strong, vibrant and expanding middle class - no company should stand in the way of that. I hope that the strong action taken by the UAW demonstrates to GM that its unwillingness to negotiate is simply unacceptable."