Tensions rise in United Auto Workers contract talks with Stellantis as strike threat looms
Tensions rose in contract talks between the United Auto Workers and Stellantis on Tuesday with the union president accusing the company of seeking concessions in contract talks when the union wants gains
DETROIT — Tensions rose in contract talks between the United Auto Workers union and Stellantis on Tuesday with the union president accusing the company of seeking concessions in contract talks when the union wants gains, as a September strike threat looms.
UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement that Stellantis has broken a pledge not to seek givebacks in this round of talks, in which the union is seeking more than 40% general pay raises over four years, restoration of pensions for newer hires, cost-of-living increases, an end to wage tiers, and other benefits.
A union spokesman said singling out Stellantis doesn’t mean the UAW has picked a company as a strike target, and it could choose all three.
The union's contracts with General Motors, Ford and Stellantis all expire at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14, and Fain has told workers they should be willing to go on strike to make major gains.
The UAW represents about 146,000 workers at the three companies. In the past its contracts had set the standard for manufacturing wages and benefits for blue-collar jobs nationwide.
As the industry undergoes a historic transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, the automakers will need thousands of workers to staff battery plants that are joint ventures with battery companies. The UAW also sees this year’s contract as a crucial opportunity to ensure representation in the industry’s jobs of the future.
In a Facebook Live appearance Tuesday, Fain clearly threatened to strike one or more of the companies. He told
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