Summary — House Resolution No. 21 (Michigan): “White Shirt Day” — February 11, 2025
Status: Adopted (ceremonial resolution)
Purpose
- To designate February 11, 2025, as “White Shirt Day” in the state of Michigan to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the end of the Flint Sit‑Down Strike (1937) and the United Auto Workers’ first contract with General Motors.
- To recognize and honor Michigan UAW members and retirees for their historic sacrifices and contributions to the state’s workforce, communities, and economy.
Key provisions and content
- Declares February 11, 2025, as White Shirt Day in Michigan.
- Recites historical background: the Flint sit‑down strike of 1937, the UAW’s first contract with GM, and the labor movement’s role improving wages and benefits for auto and industrial workers.
- Notes the origin of the “white shirt” tradition (attributed to Bert Christensen, UAW Local 598, in 1948) — workers wearing white shirts traditionally associated with management as a symbol of equal respect and unity.
- Calls for ceremonies and commemorations on that date to remember founders, celebrate current members and retirees, and acknowledge the UAW’s ongoing role in supporting Michigan workers.
- Expressly commends UAW members for contributions to Flint, Michigan, and the nation.
Who is affected / impact
- Primarily symbolic/ceremonial: recognizes the UAW membership, retirees, and communities (notably Flint) connected to the 1937 strike and subsequent labor gains.
- No changes to law, regulation, or funding; no direct fiscal impact. The resolution encourages public recognition and commemorative events rather than creating new programs or mandates.
Procedural / timeline notes
- Introduced in the Michigan House by Rep. Cynthia Neeley on February 11, 2025.
- Co‑sponsors on the adopted version include Reps. Breen, Fitzgerald, Glanville, MacDonell, Myers‑Phillips, Paiz, Rheingans, Rogers, Weiss, Wilson, Witwer, Wooden, and Xiong.
- The House adopted the resolution (adoption recorded in March 2025 cycle), the resolution was enrolled and signed by the Speaker, and a copy was presented to the Secretary of State in April 2025.
Bottom line
- HR 21 is a nonbinding, commemorative resolution designating Feb 11, 2025, as White Shirt Day in Michigan to honor UAW history, the Flint sit‑down strike, and the role of organized auto workers in advancing labor rights and community well‑being.