UAW hits out at Stellantis, says national strike possible

The union said that in the 2023 UAW Stellantis labor agreement, “the union won the right to strike over product and investment commitments.”

The UAW noted that among these was a commitment to the reopen Belvidere Assembly plant in Illinois, which was indefinitely idled in early 2023.

“Since ratification, the company has gone back on its product commitments at Belvidere, and has been unreceptive in talks with the union to stay on track,” the union said.

The UAW clarified that under the current contract, “once an issue has been taken through the grievance procedure, the union may authorize a strike over the grievance.”

Further, the union said that aside from the impact on Belvidere, “this glaring violation of the contract imperils all of the other investment commitments the company has made.”

The UAW listed locals in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana that could file grievances.

A request for comment from UAW on a possible timeline for the grievance process was not immediately returned.

Recall that workers at all three Detroit-area automakers ratified new labor contracts last November with UAW after a “Stand-Up Strike” that started on Sept. 15.

Stellantis responds

A Stellantis spokesperson disputed the UAW’s remarks in a company statement sent to SMU.

“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,” Stellantis said.

The company noted “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,” Stellantis added.

Regarding the union’s remarks themselves, the company specified that “the UAW agreed to language that expressly allows the company to modify product investments and employment levels.”

The statement continued: “Therefore, the union cannot legally strike over a violation of this letter at this time.”

However, Stellantis said it “is committed to engaging with the union on a productive, respectful, and forward-looking dialogue.” 

Trenton Engine idling

Separately, the spokesperson for Stellantis told SMU the company’s Trenton Engine plant in New Jersey will be down the week of Aug. 19. The reason cited was “to balance engine inventories with production.” 

The plant produces the V-6 Pentastar Classic engine for Rams, Chryslers, and Jeeps, according to its website. It has 672 workers, including 564 hourly and 108 salaried.