NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - GM Workers Call for Action from Lawmakers

GM Workers Call for Action from Lawmakers

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Their jobs are being eliminated by the hundreds. Tuesday, GM workers in the Midstate joined forces and demanded action from Tennessee lawmakers.

Thursday, they came by the bus loads to Legislative Plaza. The plaza was flooded with hundreds of people, dozens of signs, but one message: they want elected officials to help save their jobs.

GM workers, their families, and their supporters were ready to walk, chat, and reach out to elected officials.  They want to see those officials fight harder to save their jobs.

"I know they've turned their backs on us. That's the problem. We need them to turn around and look at us in the face and what we're doing," said Cynthia Cotter from Shelbyville.

For eight months Cynthia Cotter has been unemployed and is now facing foreclosure on her home.

"[I'm] Waiting to get my income taxes back to live on," said Cotter.

She says this demonstration on Legislative Plaza is more than about the people who have lost jobs, but the cuts those who continue to work are facing.

"They're trying to cut their benefits and they want to keep a livable wage as what they have now. They want to keep what they have," said Cotter.

Not only are people walking around voicing their concerns, but they have written 4,000 personal letters to Senator Corker voicing concerns. They will be delivered to Corker's Nashville office.

Workers are upset with US Senator Bob Corker and how he's voted on bills they say would help rebuild the local economy, especially the local auto industry.

Many local elected officials showed their support during the demonstration. Workers just hope all are listening and watching what is happening in their own back yard.

"Senator Corker's made this a fight between the unions and himself basically, but we've got working people all over the state basically, over 100,000 people depend on the auto industry. If they go under, the state could very well follow," said Rep. Mike Turner (D), Nashville.

Senator Corker's office issued a statement Tuesday: "Times are tough and we certainly understand the high level of emotions and frustration that many are feeling, but the union's focus on Senator Corker is misguided. I can assure you that any malicious feelings are not mutual and that Senator. Corker, a former union member, construction worker, and self-made businessman, will continue working every day to get credit flowing and our economy back on track."

There is no word whether or not there will be another demonstration. Workers say they hope this one sheds light on the problem, and elected officials pay more attention to it.