STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – UAW local leaders and members rallied outside the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant on Friday, Aug. 23.
It’s over grievances filed earlier that claimed Stellantis isn’t keeping its promises that were made in the latest contract. They’re demanding the automaker honor its union contract and maintain commitments.
The UAW said they tried arranging a meeting but did not hear back.
In texts with Local 4, Stellantis said: “The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant progress review took place as planned. We thank the SHAP team for the significant progress that has been made over the past few months.”
“We did request a meeting locally because we are more concerned about quality, just like he is,” said UAW Local 1700 President Michael Spencer. “Sometimes I wonder if we are more concerned than he is.”
The UAW said Stellantis is not following through on promises made during contract negotiations last year. One of the biggest was that the Belvidere plant in Illinois would re-open, where National UAW President Shawn Fain rallied in Belvidere on Thursday, Aug. 22.
Jill Hayes is a former Belvidere worker who’s been at the Sterling Heights plant for more than four years. She said she doesn’t feel like a message is really being sent to the automaker.
UAW members said they feel betrayed.
“We definitely have been lied to,” said Rodjah Torrance.
The UAW said once the grievance process has played out, they will consider authorizing a potential strike. That could happen by the end of the year.