Michigan’s recent history has been marked by struggles and setbacks, much like the infamous play involving Detroit Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky in 2008. However, there are signs that the state is turning things around. The Lions, under the leadership of coach Dan Campbell, have started the season strong, defeating the defending NFL champion Kansas City Chiefs. Michigan has also reclaimed its position atop the Big Ten, while Ohio State fans are expressing their frustrations. Additionally, a series of strikes by UAW members against the Big Three automakers has garnered national attention and is seen as a significant moment for organized labor.
Politicians are now rushing to align themselves with the UAW members. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, known for her normal-person liberalism, has handled the matter with a mix of humor and support for the workers. President Joe Biden has expressed his respect for the workers’ right to strike and acknowledged their frustrations. Even Republicans like Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and Michigan Representative John James have voiced their support for autoworkers, albeit with a focus on opposing the “green war” on the industry.
Initial polling shows that the general public is more inclined to support the UAW over the automakers by a 2-to-1 margin. This reflects a broader trend of increased support for unions, as seen in the approval ratings for labor unions rising from 48 to 67 percent in the past decade. Furthermore, as UAW chief Shawn Fain has pointed out, the automakers are enjoying immense profits while their employees’ real wages have declined by 30 percent in the past twenty years.
The sustainability of Michigan’s current moment is still uncertain. Governor Whitmer is trying to position the state as an attractive destination for professional-class workers seeking refuge from high housing costs and restrictive laws in major cities and red states. However, recent census data shows that the state is still losing population to the Sun Belt.
The automakers argue that granting the 40 percent pay raise requested by the unions would put them at a disadvantage in the market, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, where nonunion manufacturers like Tesla, Honda, and Toyota have a strong presence.
As for the Lions, their future remains uncertain. However, Dan Orlovsky, the quarterback who famously ran out of the end zone, has found success as a football analyst for ESPN. If Orlovsky can turn things around, it gives hope that Michigan can do the same.
Overall, Michigan’s recent developments indicate a shift in fortune for the state. The success of the Lions, the resurgence of labor unions, and the support from politicians all point to a potential turnaround. However, challenges and uncertainties remain, and the true sustainability of Michigan’s progress is yet to be determined.
Original Story at slate.com – 2023-09-16 09:50:00
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