UAW expands strike against Stellantis, targets largest plant

The United Auto Workers delivered another surprise attack Monday in the union's ongoing strike against Detroit's Big Three automakers, this time targeting Stellantis' largest plant.

The UAW announced it is shutting down Stellantis' Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan, meaning the 6,800 union members who work at the facility are now off the job and joining the picket lines.

«Despite having the highest revenue, the highest profits (North American and global), the highest profit margins, and the most cash in reserve, Stellantis lags behind both Ford and General Motors in addressing the demands of their UAW workforce,» the union said in a press release. «Currently, Stellantis has the worst proposal on the table regarding wage progression, temporary worker pay and conversion to full-time, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and more.»

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The Sterling Heights facility produces RAM 1500 trucks, and its shutdown is a major blow to Stellantis, which owns more than a dozen auto brands, including Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep.

«We are outraged that the UAW has chosen to expand its strike action against Stellantis,» the company said in a statement following the union's move. «Last Thursday morning, Stellantis presented a new, improved offer to the UAW, including 23% wage increases over the life of the contract, nearly a 50% increase in our contributions to the retirement savings plan, and additional job security protections for our employees. Following multiple conversations that appeared to be productive, we left the bargaining table expecting a counter-proposal, but have been waiting for one ever since.»

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Stellantis added, «The UAW’s continued disturbing strategy of ‘wounding’ all the Detroit 3 will have long-lasting consequences.»

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The UAW launched its simultaneous strike against Ford, General Motors and Stellantis on Sept. 15, starting with one assembly plant at each of the Big Three. The union has steadily added