The union has urged members to contact a community information and referral services hotline and passed out cards with the corresponding phone number, Ms Johnson said."I don't see how you can feed five children on US$250 a week," said Ms Johnson, noting that many of her coworkers face even greater hardships, especially temporary employees.
Local 5960 runs a strike kitchen that prepares food around the clock and gives away free meals thanks to donations from local businesses, churches, community groups and ordinary people. Gerald Lang, Local 5960 vice-president, said he doesn't believe GM ever anticipated the broad community support the UAW has gotten during the walkout.
Diana Reed, who has worked for GM for 20 years and is also a member of Local 5960, said she's begun combing her house for belongings to sell on an online marketplace.