WARREN, Michigan (WXYZ) – If you have a business across the street from an auto factory, you live and die for the United Auto Workers union. The Motor City Sports Bar & Grill in Warren is no different.
“After work, they come over, meet up, have a few drinks, relax, just relax,” owner David Nuculaj said of the auto workers.
Nuculaj says about 85% of its customers work at the factory. He follows the talks and is optimistic that there will be no strike. He’s felt the effects before and says he won’t be too concerned if something like this happens again.
“It was slow for a minute and then things slowly picked up again,” said Nuculaj of the last attack.
With another potential strike still looming, industries across Michigan’s economy are bracing for the potential impact. According to the Anderson Economic Group, just a 10-day strike would cost the US economy $5 billion and $859 million in lost wages.
We’re usually the first place your disposable income goes. So if that’s impacted, we’re going to feel that pretty badly in this industry,” said Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association.
Winslow says the talks are also being followed because the auto industry is an important driver of Michigan’s economy. He says their industry also felt the effects during the 2019 UAW strike against General Motors.
“Some restaurants felt this very strongly and there have been temporary layoffs in the industry during this time,” Winslow said. “Honestly, it actually sounded less strict than what we’re currently adjusting to. So we communicate with members to be prepared for the worst.”
On the other hand, George Glassman of Glassman Automotive Group is also hoping against the strike, but since his shop mainly sells foreign cars, there could be more traffic if the Big Three’s production slows down.
“If there are no cars and people need to buy or lease cars, they’re going to find a place to get them,” Glassman said. “I hope there won’t be a strike because I don’t think it will be mutually productive.”
The son of a 20-year-old UAW member whose bar is also full of members, Nuculaj stands by the workers no matter what.
“When General Motors went on strike, we gave out a bunch of burgers and hot dogs to everyone who was on strike,” Nuculaj said.
But like many others, he still hopes for an agreement.
“I think they could come to negotiations before the end date,” Nuculaj said. “I don’t know. I think we’ll see.”
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