The battle between the United Auto Workers and Stellantis continues as Union President Shawn Fain said the union is planning a strike authorization vote.
The decision occurred on Tuesday (Sept. 17).
In a message to members, Fain said the automaker failed to live up to the contract signed last year.
“Like all our competitors, Stellantis is attempting to carefully manage how and when we launch new products in an electric vehicle market that is still highly volatile. Our focus remains on offering consumers affordable multi-energy vehicles while ensuring our future sustainability, which are necessary to protect U.S. manufacturing jobs.
“The commitments we made during 2023 negotiations span the life of the 4-year, 7 ½-month agreement, so it is not surprising that they haven’t been fully realized in the first year. And to be clear, Shawn Fain’s claim that the company has confirmed plans for the Dodge Durango is simply not true.
“The company has confirmed no such thing. However, Shawn Fain continues to allege that the company has violated the contract but, to date, has provided no data or information to back up his claims.
“Instead, he continues to willfully damage the reputation of the company with his public attacks, which is helpful to no one, including his members.
“We would all be better served if these issues were addressed across the table with productive, respectful, and forward-looking dialogue. A strike does not benefit anyone – our customers, our dealers, the community, and, most importantly, our employees.”
Stellantis
Prior to Fain’s announcement on Tuesday, UAW members were back in the public rally for jobs and calling out one of the domestic automakers.
Local 4 has seen tensions rise between the UAW and Stellantis as the rank and file try to stop Stellantis from eliminating the second shift at its Warren Stamping plant.
UAW workers rallied at the Local 140 Hall near the Warren Truck Assembly Plant as Stellantis plans to cut 250 jobs.
For weeks, union officials have called on Stellantis to keep its promise to reopen its Belvidere, Illinois plant.
With the presidential election only two months away, Fain says what happens next is a litmus test for workers nationwide.