Former President Barack Obama offered a brief statement Saturday on the UAW strike, saying it's time for auto companies to do right by their workers.

“Fourteen years ago, when the big three automakers were struggling to stay afloat, my administration and the American people stepped in to support them,” Obama said in the statement. “So did the auto workers in the UAW who sacrificed pay and benefits to help get the companies back on their feet.“Now that our carmakers are enjoying robust profits, it’s time to do right by those same workers so the industry can emerge more united and competitive than ever,” Obama said.

As part of the larger Troubled Asset Relief Program, more than $62 billion in direct bailout bankruptcy assistance was given to General Motors and Chrysler, which is now part of Stellantis.