Union Members of Local 2209 Fort Wayne, Indiana, Enjoy Annual Picnic Despite Looming Strike

U.A.W. members of Local 2209 and their families, enjoyed a fun day together at the unions annual picnic.

The picnic was held at the union hall located on Lafayette Center Rd. in Roanoke, Indiana. The place was alive with talk of the latest news of contract negotiations.

Talks between General Motors and the union were set to expire Friday night at 11:59 p.m., but were extended into Sat. with hopes an agreement would soon be met. General Motors and the U.A.W. are debating on how to fund a trust for retiree health care.

Most union members believe that the talks being extended into Sat. is a positive sign "the not knowing what will happen is the biggest stress" union member Dale Smith said.

Even with a 'pickett list' posted on the union hall wall and "we'll strike if provoked' t-shirts being worn smiles and laughs were still able to be found.

The picnic was catered by 'Nelsons Catering' and picnic goers enjoyed chicken, pulled pork sandwiches and hot dogs with all the trimmings. 'Millers family amusements' provided amusement rides and inflatables which were a big hit with the children and the 'Aboite Braves' baseball team manned the games and prizes.

other attractions at the picnic were a car show which featured both classic and newer model cars, live music, a karate demonstration, karaoke, bobbing for apples, face painting and balloon animals.

Although thoughts of a possible strike weighed heavy on the minds of union members, the picnic was a welcomed distraction from the worries and stress of the situation.