Fain rallies with Stellantis UAW members at Trenton plant ahead of strike authorization vote

BY KEN COLEMAN, MICHIGAN ADVANCE

MICHIGAN—Union members and elected officials rallied on Wednesday against Stellantis arguing that the automaker isn’t living up their 2023 contract.

The effort, which was led by United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 372 in Trenton, was scheduled ahead of a Nov. 13 strike authorization vote.

“If we are not willing to fight, it’s over. I know talking about striking, it scares people sometimes,” UAW President Shawn Fain said to an audience of about 100. “Nobody wants to strike but when these companies do not own their commitments to us, we have one big tool in the toolbox, we have one hammer and that’s withholding our labor and making them own their commitments.”

The union representing Trenton Engine plant argues that Stellantis is not complying with their $19 billion product and investment negotiated pact during last year’s “Stand up Strike” against the Detroit Three automakers—Stellantis, General Motors and Ford—which lasted about seven weeks. 

The UAW says that Stellantis is trying to “backtrack” on agreements to reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois and build the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit.

Attending the rally were Laura Dickerson, UAW Region 1A director; Dave Gerbi, Local 372 president; and U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit).

“You’re asking for your fair share of making them money and putting cars on the road,” said Tlaib.

“You made them successful,” Dingell said to rally participants about Stellantis. “And they owe it to you to have your back and honor the contract.”

In a video released last week, Fain directly addressed Stellantis union members and slammed Stellantis CEO Carlos Taveres, urging them “to stand up and fight for their jobs and futures” by going to shitcancarlos.com to sign a strike authorization pledge.

Stellantis slammed Fain in a statement and warned a strike would hurt the company.

“UAW President Shawn Fain continues to make, further spreading misinformation to the members he represents …” said Jodi Tinson, Stellantis spokesperson. “A strike right now has the potential to further weaken the company at a critical time.”

Capitol Hill lawmakers, White House weigh in 

Meanwhile, in a show of solidarity with UAW members, 79 members of Congress have sent letters to Stellantis and Tavares, expressing concerns about the company’s recent actions and urging a renewed commitment to American workers.

A letter signed by 23 senators, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) was addressed directly to CEO Carlos Tavares. It was signed by the four senators from Michigan and Illinois: U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

The letter called out Stellantis for failing to uphold its contractual obligations to UAW members, highlighting concerns that recent company decisions undermine its commitment to its workforce.

The senators also highlighted the $335 million in public dollars that Stellantis is slated to receive for reopening the Belvidere Assembly Plant. They urged the company to honor the promises made to UAW workers and the community of Belvidere.

“Stellantis’ reliance on taxpayer support, while planning layoffs and moving production outside of the United States, betrays the trust of American workers and taxpayers,” said the letter, citing recent layoffs at Stellantis’ facilities in Sterling Heights, Warren, Toledo and Detroit. 

In addition, 56 members of the House of Representatives—including the entire Democratic delegations from Michigan and Ohio, as well as Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill), who represents Belvidere, Ill.—sent a letter to the Stellantis board of directors. They voiced their dismay over the company’s direction and decisions, specifically noting the delays in reopening the Belvidere Assembly Plant.

Both letters echo calls from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing the need for Stellantis to prioritize American jobs. The lawmakers criticized the company’s rationale of “poor market conditions” to delay investments, pointing to Stellantis’ $6 billion in profits in the first half of the year, $8 billion spent on stock buybacks and dividends, and the $39.5 million compensation package awarded to Tavares.

The congressional letters stress that Stellantis’ decision to delay investment in the Belvidere Assembly Plant and potentially move production of the Dodge Durango outside the U.S., not only violates the UAW contract but also breaks faith with Congress and the American public’s expectations of the company’s role in supporting domestic jobs.

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This coverage was republished from Michigan Advance pursuant to a Creative Commons license.