The striking union members of the Chrysler parts distribution plant in Tappan say they’re very grateful Gov. Kathy Hochul joined them on the picket line on Wednesday.

Local 3039 President Jeff Purcell said support like that means more people are paying attention to their demands for equal pay.

When the Chicago Chrysler plant that Mellyora Taylor spent 12 years working at suddenly closed, it was a huge burden to uproot herself to work at a new plant in New York.

“I was scared," she said. "I've never been across country to work at another job before.”

Then, just one month after starting at the Chrysler parts distribution center in Tappan, the United Auto Workers union called for nationwide strikes. She said this strike is essential, but that doesn’t mean it’s been easy on her.

“Now, I'm out on strike and the pay is not the same," Taylor said. "You know, already it was hard at the pay rate that I have. But it's even harder now.”

Support for the striking auto workers is growing. On Wednesday, Hochul joined local 3039’s picket line in a show of support.

“Workers, like all of you, are standing in solidarity across this country," the governor said. "I'm so grateful to be with you here today, to support you. We’ll be here with you as long as it takes to make sure you get when you deserve.”

Salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics gathered by the Washington Post shows wages for auto workers have steadily declined over the last 30 years.

“The cost of living is going up," said Purcell. "The cost of vehicles has gone up. Profits of companies have gone up. The only thing that hasn't gone up is our wages and the things that we're supposed to get from our work. So, it's important for us to be out here to fight for what we deserve.”

Some auto manufacturers say coming close to meeting the UAW’s demands would mean crippling its ability to produce new electric cars. The UAW is fighting to ensure workers at new electric vehicle plants would be covered by union contracts.

In a statement to Spectrum News 1, Chrysler owner Stellantis said, in part, “We are committed to continue working through these issues in an expeditious manner to reach a fair and responsible agreement that gets everyone back to work as soon as possible.”

Taylor will remain on the picket line along her brothers and sisters at local 3039. For her, it's a fight that’s too important to avoid.

“We're fighting for a bigger cause," she said. "This is not only for ourselves, it’s for the future of the union.”