Obama's anti right-to-work remarks draw cheers at Detroit Diesel
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President Obama speaks at Detroit Diesel (Credit: Fox 2 News)
By Robin Schwartz Fox 2 News
REDFORD, Mich. (WJBK) -- "What we shouldn't be doing is trying to take away your rights to bargain for better wages and working conditions," President Obama said Monday as a crowd of about 1,500 auto workers erupted in cheers inside Detroit Diesel in Redford.
It appears Michigan is about to become the 24th right-to-work state, and the president made it clear he opposes the idea.
"These so-called right-to-work laws, they don't have to do with economics. They have everything to do with politics. What they're really talking about is giving you the right to work for less money," said Obama.
The president also talked about the country's economic troubles as we inch closer to the so-called fiscal cliff.
In the midst of all the turmoil, the president did bring some good news to workers. He announced that Daimler will invest $120 million at the facility and add 150 new jobs.
Detroit Diesel has built more than five million engines since 1938. The company currently has 2,300 workers, one of whom got a special shout out from the president. Willy Carter, also known as "Pretty Willy", will mark his 60th year working at the plant this week.
"He's committed to family. He's committed to community. He's committed to country. That's how Willy lives his life," Obama said.
The 85-year-old said meeting President Obama was the highlight of his unbelievable career. A celebration for Carter is planned for Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:22 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:22:48 GMT
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
Monday, May 13 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:19:48 GMT
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
Saturday, May 11 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-12 01:28:26 GMT
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:57 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:57:40 GMT
The federal judge presiding over civil rights challenges to the stop-and-frisk practices of the New York Police Department has no doubt where she stands with the government.
The federal judge presiding over civil rights challenges to the stop-and-frisk practices of the New York Police Department has no doubt where she stands with the government.
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Metro-North is urging commuters in Connecticut to make alternate plans starting on Monday. Train service on much of the New Haven line remains suspended after Friday's train derailment
Metro-North is urging commuters in Connecticut to make alternate plans starting on Monday. Train service on much of the New Haven line remains suspended after Friday's train derailment
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information on Sunday regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information on Sunday regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
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A bicyclist was killed when he was struck by a livery cab in Brooklyn early Sunday morning. Police say the victim was riding eastbound on Eastern Parkway between Underhill and Washington Avenues
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Amtrak announced Sunday night that service remains suspended between New York and New Haven, with limited Amtrak service available between Boston and New Haven.
Amtrak announced Sunday night that service remains suspended between New York and New Haven, with limited Amtrak service available between Boston and New Haven.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:26 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:26:29 GMT
The NYPD are looking for the suspect who shot and killed a 14-year-old girl on a Queens MTA bus Saturday night. The incident happened around 8:50 p.m. on Sutphin and Rockaway Boulevard
The NYPD are looking for the suspect who shot and killed a 14-year-old girl on a Queens MTA bus Saturday night. The incident happened around 8:50 p.m. on Sutphin and Rockaway Boulevard
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:42:18 GMT
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced a new legislation to reduce debt on federal loans. Gillibrand is proposing the "Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act"
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Sunday, May 19 2013 3:14 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:14:07 GMT
Authorities say one person is dead and another was injured when the vehicle they were in ran off the road and crashed into Huntington harbor on Long Island Saturday evening.
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A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74 year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
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Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
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Sunday, May 19 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:54:31 GMT
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. The shooter, in a gold truck, is still on the loose.
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. We're told a group of 10 people were drinking and partying outside the house when a gold truck rolled down the street and started firing.
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Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
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Let It Rip Weekend: Doggy Insurance, Pit Bull Bans & $15 Minimum Wage
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This time we're talking about a new requirement in Royal Oak that has some dog owners taking out $1 million insurance policies on their pooches. Plus, Waterford Township is considering repealing their
Should owners of dangerous dogs have to take out $1 million insurance policies? Are pit bull bans a good idea? Plus, should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
President Obama speaks at Detroit Diesel (Credit: Fox 2 News)
