About 6,800 United Auto Workers (UAW) members at Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant took to the picket line on Monday.
In a news release, the UAW called its latest action a move against “Stellantis’ largest plant and biggest moneymaker.” Earlier this month, UAW President Shawn Fain said that the union would now call on plants to join the strike against the Detroit Three at any time — not just Fridays, like at the beginning of the strike that began on Sept. 15.
“Stellantis has the worst proposal on the table regarding wage progression, temporary worker pay and conversion to full-time, cost-of-living adjustments, and more,” the UAW said in a statement.
Fain joined workers as they walked out of the plant on Monday morning.
UAW President Shawn Fain greets Sterling Heights Assembly workers as they walk out on strike! #StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/5itJxXVDen
— UAW (@UAW) October 23, 2023
Stellantis responded on Monday by saying, “We are outraged that the UAW has chosen to expand its strike action against Stellantis.”
“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,” the automaker said through a statement.
“Our very strong offer would address member demands and provide immediate financial gains for our employees. Instead, the UAW has decided to cause further harm to the entire automotive industry as well as our local, state and national economies.”
Workers at the plant build the automaker’s popular RAM 1500 truck. The latest strike site comes after Fain detailed on Friday the current proposals at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, highlighting the shortcomings of the latter’s current offer. All three of the Detroit automakers have offered 23% wage increases and have agreed to eliminate wage tiers, Fain said in recent days.
About 40,000 of the UAW’s 150,000 members are on strike. The impasse began on Sept. 15 with a walkout against three assembly plants in Michigan, Missouri and Ohio. It has since grown to include seven assembly plants and 38 parts distribution centers in 22 states.
Michigan automotive facilities on strike
Ford location:
Michigan Assembly Plant, Wayne
Stellantis plant and auto supplier locations:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights
Marysville, Marysville
Centerline Packaging, Center Line
Centerline Warehouse, Center Line
Sherwood, Warren
Warren Parts, Warren
QEC, Auburn Hills
Romulus, Romulus
GM plant and auto supplier locations:
Pontiac Redistribution, Pontiac
Willow Run Redistribution, Belleville
Ypsilanti Processing Center, Ypsilanti
Davidson Road Processing Center, Burton
Flint Processing Center, Swartz Creek
Lansing Redistribution, Lansing
Delta Township Assembly, Lansing
Meanwhile, about 3,700 workers in Detroit’s casino industry who are represented by UNITE HERE, the UAW, the Teamsters, the Operating Engineers and the Carpenters went on strike Tuesday. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) nursing workers also have launched strikes in metro Detroit.
Breonna Green, a Warren resident, has been a UAW member for eight years, about five of them at the Sterling Heights plant. She’s prepared to walk the picket until the automaker meets union demands, which include a significant raise.
“We deserve a fair contract,” said Green, a second-shift production operator. “We’ve put our blood, sweat and tears into these trucks that people want to consume and buy.”
Breonna Green, a Warren resident, has been a UAW member for eight years, about five of them at the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. | Ken Coleman
UAW striking workers at the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights | Ken Coleman
Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights | Ken Coleman
Breonna Green, a Warren resident, has been a UAW member for eight years, about five of them at the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. | Ken Coleman
authored by Ken Coleman
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