The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is alleging Stellantis has backtracked on production commitments in the U.S., after the UAW learned the automaker plans to shift Dodge Durango production overseas, contradicting the terms agreed upon in the 2023 collective bargaining agreement.
The union filed federal unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing Stellantis of illegally withholding information about its future product commitments. Additionally, multiple UAW locals representing thousands of members have launched contract grievances over these alleged breaches.
“In our 2023 contract, we won major gains, including a commitment to reopen an idled assembly plant in Belvidere, IL, and to build the Dodge Durango in Detroit. We also won the right to strike over those commitments, if we have to,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Now, Stellantis wants to go back on the deal. As a united UAW, we intend to enforce our contract, and to make Stellantis keep the promise.”
“Stellantis is one of the most profitable auto companies on the planet, and makes its money off of the American market,” said UAW Stellantis Department Director Kevin Gotinsky. “UAW members generate that profit and build the product that keeps this company running. We will take action if necessary to stop Stellantis from violating our contract and abandoning the American worker.”
The grievances filed by more than a dozen local unions involve tens of thousands of Stellantis workers. They are the union's latest effort to compel Stellantis to uphold the product and investment commitments made during last year's Stand Up Strike, emphasizing the significant role UAW members play in sustaining the company's profitability, especially in the American market.
Fain is scheduled to address the UAW membership via Facebook Live at 7 p.m. ET Sept. 17, to further detail the union's strategy and next steps in their dispute with Stellantis. The event will also be accessible to the media through the UAW’s YouTube and social media accounts.
