STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) — Hundreds of UAW members on Thursday rallied and marched to the Stellantis Plant in Sterling Heights to reiterate their stance that they’re willing to strike if the company doesn’t uphold its promises .
Members are upset at Stellantis, saying the company is not abiding by the agreement they hammered out last year in contentious negotiations that saw the union strike the Big 3 at the same time.
Two issues that the union is pointing to are the company's intention to move Dodge Durango production to Canada from Jefferson North in Detroit, and the company's failure to reopen the Belvidere Plant in Illinois, which formerly made the Jeep Cherokee.
UAW President Shawn Fain told supporters Stellantis is worried about its bottom line, and the union won’t stand for it.
“This is what they’re doing. They’re repeating the same old, tired, short-sighted vision of trying to cut itself to profitability. It didn’t work when we were Daimler-Chrysler, it didn’t work anytime in our history, and it sure as hell isn’t working now,” Fain said.
“And if UAW members have to strike to make them change course and keep their promise to America, that’s exactly what we’re willing to do,” he said to a roar of cheers.
Stellantis said in a statement to WWJ that the UAW understood the agreement and that any strike action from the UAW would be illegal.
Read Stellantis’ full statement below:
“Following the UAW rally today, Stellantis reiterated its position and the facts regarding allegations UAW President Shawn Fain continues to make, further spreading misinformation to the members he represents.
Fact: Letter 311, the Investment Letter, in the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, which was negotiated and ratified by UAW members, clearly states that all planned investments are subject to business factor contingencies including market conditions and consumer demand, and company approval. The investments and timelines are not absolute guarantees.
Fact: There is indisputable volatility in the market, especially as the industry transitions to an electrified future. Over the past year, numerous companies across the industry have announced investment and product delays as well as outright product cancelations. This is information that the company has repeatedly shared with the UAW and that they have acknowledged. The evidence of a dramatic transformation in the industry and its effects on the market is clear.
Fact: The company confirmed a delay – not a cancellation, as Fain recently suggested – of the plans for the Belvidere plant allocations. This decision is consistent with the current challenging automotive landscape and the plain language of Letter 311. The company remains committed to investing in the U.S. to create jobs and support our communities.
Fact: Because of the delay in the Belvidere plant allocations, the company has presented the UAW with a nearer term alternative for the Mega Hub that would mean more favorable employment options for many UAW-represented employees even though it would require more investment by the company.
Fact: The UAW does not have the legal right to strike via pending grievances over investment decisions the Company is making based on the business factor contingencies in Letter 311. Because the UAW’s grievances ignore those contingencies, which are clearly established in the 2023 agreement that was negotiated and ratified by UAW members, they are invalid in the Company’s view.
Fact: A strike right now has the potential to further weaken the company at a critical time."
“Let me be crystal clear, we have abided by and will continue to abide by the 2023 collective bargaining agreement,” said Carlos Zarlenga, COO, Stellantis North America. “It is in everyone’s best interest to have a healthy company that can compete in a global marketplace. This is a time for us to work together, not against each other.”
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