UAW files unfair labor charge, says Stellantis plans to move Dodge Durango production from Detroit to Mexico

DETROIT (WWJ) -- The fight between the United Auto Workers Union and Stellantis has escalated as the UAW files a formal complaint.

On Monday, the UAW filed federal unfair labor practice charges at the National Labor Relations Board for Stellantis’ "illegal refusal to provide information about the company’s plans regarding product commitments it made in the UAW’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement."

WWJ Auto Beat Reporter Jeff Gilbert reports the union alleges that the company has not been forthcoming with information about new investments, and has threatened to strike over Stellantis’ plans to delay investments in the Belvedere, Illinois plant.

Gilbert said the UAW also alleges that Stellantis wants to move production of the Dodge Durango out of Detroit, to Mexico.

In a news release Monday, the UAW said more than a dozen local unions covering tens of thousands of Stellantis workers have filed grievances against Stellantis regarding the company’s attempt to "back out of their commitments" secured in the UAW’s Stand Up Strike last year.

“In our 2023 contract, we won major gains, including a commitment to reopen an idled assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, and to build the Dodge Durango in Detroit. We also won the right to strike over those commitments, if we have to,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Now, Stellantis wants to go back on the deal. As a united UAW, we intend to enforce our contract, and to make Stellantis keep the promise.”

“Stellantis is one of the most profitable auto companies on the planet, and makes its money off of the American market,” said UAW Stellantis Department Director Kevin Gotinsky. “UAW members generate that profit and build the product that keeps this company running. We will take action if necessary to stop Stellantis from violating our contract and abandoning the American worker.”

While Stellantis did not immediately issue a statement regarding this filing, the automaker has has said in the past that it has the right to delay investments due to changing market conditions.

Fain is expected to address the UAW membership on Facebook Live on Tuesday at 7 p.m.