Auto workers leader slams companies for slow bargaining, files labor complaint with government
The United Auto Workers union says it has filed unfair labor practice complaints against Stellantis and General Motors for failing to make counteroffers to the union’s economic demands
DETROIT — The United Auto Workers union says it has filed unfair labor practice complaints against Stellantis and General Motors for failing to make counteroffers to the union's economic demands.
Ford was the only company of the Detroit Three to make a counteroffer, but it rejected most of the union's proposals, President Shawn Fain told workers Thursday in a Facebook Live meeting.
Fain's statements and strong responses from the companies showed both sides appear to be digging in with just two weeks before contracts with the union's 146,000 members expire. Fain is once again threatening to strike when the pacts end at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14.
He told members that the companies have been warned not to wait until the last minute to get serious about bargaining.
“The Big Three are either not listening or they are not taking us seriously,” Fain said, calling the refusal to respond “insulting and counterproductive,” and also illegal. He said the union filed the complaints with the National Labor Relations Board on Thursday.
In a statement, Stellantis said the unfair labor charges are not based on fact, and that it will vigorously defend itself against them.
“We are disappointed to learn that Mr. Fain is more focused on filing frivolous legal charges than on actual bargaining,” the statement said. “We will not allow Mr. Fain’s tactics to distract us from that important work to secure the future for our employees.”
Ford said it made a fair economic proposal that is better than the pay at Tesla or foreign automakers.
“We will not make a deal that
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