WENTZVILLE, Mo. — Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley pounded the picket line at the General Motors Plant Monday afternoon in Wentzville, Missouri.
The senator chatted, listened and showed his support for workers now on the picket line for a second straight week.
"I was talking to one individual. It takes him three paychecks to pay his rent. He's got three kids and he's not living a high, rolling life. Another guy told me he's working Monday through Saturday. He's pressured to work on Sundays and that means no time to spend with family, not time to go to church," Hawley said.
Nationwide, nearly 19,000 UAW workers are currently on strike.
UAW negotiators are trying to secure a new contract with the top three automakers.
Among other things, workers want a 32-hour work week with 40 hours of pay.
"My message to these companies is they can afford it. These guys deserve not only a pay raise, they deserve better and more time off. They ought to get guarantees on their jobs," Hawley said.
"They're fighting for a better life. I mean they were promised a lot of things. You know they took concessions when the company needed it," Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione said.
Hawley's visit comes a day after Democratic Congresswoman Cori Bush and fellow Democrat, New York Sen. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, showed their support for the striking workers in Wentzville.
"We are seeing bi-partisan support of the striking workers and polling shows that the American public is on the side of the striking workers as well," 5 On Your Side Political Analyst Anita Manion said. "However, I think the UAW is not really interested in having politicians get that involved right now. They feel like they've gotten this under control."
Also on Sunday, GM said it "will continue to bargain in good faith with the union to reach an agreement as quickly as possible."
"I hope they don't have to go 11 days more because I hope the companies will come to the table. These guys meanwhile are getting screwed," Hawley said.
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden will go to Detroit to support the UAW union there.
On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump will also travel to Michigan and meet with striking autoworkers.