TRENTON, Mich. – UAW members rallied at the Stellantis engine plant in Trenton on Wednesday, Oct. 23, urging the automaker to adhere to the collective bargaining agreement, which has been a contentious issue between the two parties.
It has caused engines to stack up, which means they won‘t be going into new Stellantis vehicles, meaning those vehicles aren’t able to be sold.
Local 372 President Dave Gerbi said it’s a signal of trouble for Trenton.
“It’s a battle every day. That’s what it’s like with this company,” Gerbi said. “It’s a battle every day to get commitment.”
UAW President Shawn Fain is holding rallies across the country demanding that Stellantis hold up its end of the bargain that was reached after last year’s strike, particularly regarding the opening of a plant in Illinois.
“If we are not willing to fight, it’s over. I know talking about striking, it scares people sometimes,” Fain said. “Nobody wants to strike but when these companies do not own their commitments to us, we have one big tool in the toolbox, we have one hammer and that’s withholding our labor and making them own their commitments.”
Despite the resolution of the previous strike involving the Big Three automakers, there is potential for another strike against Stellantis as the company has filed lawsuits to prevent the UAW from authorizing a mid-contract strike.
Stellantis COO Carlos Zarlenga has reiterated the company’s commitment to the agreement.
Stellantis has filed lawsuits to prevent the UAW from authorizing a mid-contract strike.