Barely a year after wrapping up a “stand-up strike” against Detroit’s Big Three automakers the the United Auto Workers Union appears ready to launch another series of walkouts. First in line: a Ford unit producing critical tooling for parts plants and assembly lines could face a strike at midnight Wednesday after talks broke down. Stellantis could be next.
If anyone thought the record contracts reached between the United Auto Workers Union and Detroit’s Big Three automakers last year would lead to a period of labor peace they’re in for a big surprise.
Hundreds of Ford workers in Dearborn, Michigan are set to walk off the job at midnight Wednesday after talks with the automaker broke down. And the impact of a strike could quickly spread across the automakers production network. Separately, workers are voting at Stellantis on whether to authorize another walkout – this one triggered by the automaker’s alleged failure to move forward on projects contained in the national contract it signed with the UAW last autumn.
Separately, 525 UAW-represented workers have gone on strike at a facility in Jackson, Michigan operated by Eaton Aerospace.
Ford strike could have broad impact
Ford is one of the companies the UAW has in its crosshairs in the latest round of labor talks.
The most immediate problem facing Detroit automakers involves workers at a tool and die operation in Dearborn, site of Ford’s world headquarters.
After bargaining for more than a year, the automaker has failed at reach agreement with UAW Local 600 over issues including job security, wage parity and work rules. Barring a last-minute breakthrough, more than 500 employees will walk off the job at midnight Wednesday.
The impact could quickly be felt across a major swath of Ford’s manufacturing network as tool-and-die makers design and maintain tools, dies, molds and fixtures, as well as helping operate furnaces, at various regional parts and assembly operations.
Stellantis moves closer to walkout
Meanwhile, the UAW and Stellantis are feuding over accusations that the company failed to follow the terms of its bargaining agreement.
Ford isn’t the only automaker facing labor strife. If anything, the situation at Stellantis could also impact a number of the automaker’s local operations.
UAW President Shawn Fain announced a strike vote a week ago, accusing the Euro-American automaker of violating a number of promises made as part of the nationwide contract the two sides signed last year. Among other things, it called for Stellantis to reopen a currently shuttered plant in Belvedere, Illinois, while also introducing a new midsize pickup truck.
Adding to the tensions, UAW Pres. Shawn Fain claimed the automaker plans to move production of the Dodge Durango from a suburban Detroit plant to a facility in Ontario, Canada.
For its part, however, Stellantis issued a statement saying Fain cannot “back up his claims.” It called on the UAW to stop arguing its case in public, insisting, “We would all be better served if these issues were addressed across the table with productive, respectful, and forward-looking dialogue.”
More UAW News
- UAW Charges Musk, Trump with Trying to Intimidate Workers
- https://headlight.news/2024/08/20/uaw-chief-threatens-strike-at-stellantis/UAW Chief Threatens Stellantis Strike
- UAW Suffers Crushing Defeat at Mercedes Alabama Plant
More labor strife
UAW President Shawn Fain is ready to implement hard-line tactics in the union’s dispute with Stellantis.
Since his election in March 2023, Fain has taken a much more confrontational approach to labor talks than his predecessor. Proponents insist that has paid off, pointing to the gains in wages and benefits won as part of 2023 contract talks.
Critics claim that Fain’s approach has also led to more strikes and disruptions at facilities represented by the UAW, including non-automotive operations such as the Eaton Aerospace facility in Jackson, Michigan.
About 525 employees walked out at the facility on Monday. It produces a range of parts for civilian, commercial and military aircraft.
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