More than 300 auto repair workers and owners rallied at the Massachusetts State House on May 18 to advocate for an increase in labor rate reimbursement for collision repairs. 

A fight that has been long overdue, according to WWLP-22News.

The report states that current rates have not changed in 34 years, ranking Massachusetts last in the country at $40 an hour. 

Amongst the workers and shop owners, vocational tech students, family members, and other supporters joined to show their support. 

The MA Alliance of Automotive Service Providers reported that labor rates have only increased $10 since 1988 while insurance premiums have increased 254 percent and the Consumer Price Index 137.7 percent, noted the news release. 

Currently, there is a bill in the House and Senate to raise the reimbursement rates. The legislative session ends July 31.