UAW files unfair labor practice charges against Stellantis

The United Auto Workers say they have filed federal unfair labor practice charges against Stellantis with the National Labor Relations Board.

The union says the charges related to Stellantis refusing to provide information about the company's plans surrounding product commitments made in the UAW's 2023 contract.

The union says several UAW locals have filed contract grievances over the company's attempt to move Dodge Durango production out of the US, which they say violates the contract agreement.

In the news release announcing the complaints the UAW says union president Shawn Fain will address the UAW membership on Facebook Live, the UAW's YouTube page, and other social media accounts on Tuesday, September 17 at 7:00 pm.

“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 Fain in the news release. “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.”

The filings with the federal government are the latest in an escalating dispute between the UAW and Stellantis over what the union says is violations of the 2023 collective bargaining agreement. The union has threatened a strike against the company if Stellantis doesn't stick to the contract.

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In response to the move by the UAW, Stellantis has issued the following statement:

Stellantis has not received the filing, and therefore has not had an opportunity to review the charge. The Company has not violated the commitments made in the Investment Letter included in the 2023 UAW Collective Bargaining Agreement. Like all of our competitors, Stellantis is attempting to carefully manage how and when we bring new vehicles to market with a focus on enhancing our competitiveness and ensuring our future sustainability and growth. We will communicate our plans to the UAW at the appropriate time.

They also release the following statement in August in response to the allegations made by the UAW.

To ensure the Company’s future competitiveness and sustainability, which are necessary to preserve U.S. manufacturing jobs, it is critical that the business case for all investments is aligned with market conditions and our ability to accommodate a wide range of consumer demands. Therefore, the Company confirms it has notified the UAW that plans for Belvidere will be delayed, but firmly stands by its commitment. As always, the Company is committed to engaging with the Union on a productive, respectful and forward-looking dialogue.

The Company has not violated the commitments made in the Investment Letter included in the 2023 UAW Collective Bargaining Agreement and strongly objects to the Union’s accusations. In fact, the UAW agreed to language that expressly allows the Company to modify product investments and employment levels. Therefore, the Union cannot legally strike over a violation of this letter at this time.