UAW warns of national strike, saying Stellantis isn’t keeping its promises for Belvidere
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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BELVIDERE — The United Auto Workers union has threatened a national strike against Stellantis over its delay of bringing new operations and a new product to Belvidere.
Stellantis confirmed Tuesday that it has delayed the plans for the idled Belvidere Assembly Plant, but it says it remains committed to the project.
The union representing tens of thousands of workers announced Monday morning that it plans to file grievances against Stellantis for failing to uphold investments that were negotiated in its recent labor contract. That could pave the way for a national strike, according to the union. Stellantis said the union cannot legally strike over the delay.
“This company made a commitment to autoworkers at Stellantis in our union contract, and we intend to enforce that contract to the full extent,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a news release. “On behalf of autoworkers everywhere, we’re standing up against a company that wants to go back on its commitments and drive a race to the bottom at the expense of the American worker.”
Stellantis informed the UAW that it would not launch a consolidated Mopar Mega Hub this year, it will not begin stamping operations for the Belvidere Mega Hub in 2025 and it will not begin production of a midsize truck in Belvidere in 2027. A new timeline has not been set.
“To ensure the company’s future competitiveness and sustainability, which are necessary to preserve U.S. manufacturing jobs, it is critical that the business case for all investments is aligned with market conditions and our ability to accommodate a wide range of consumer demands,” Stellantis said in a statement shared with the Rock River Current. “Therefore, the company confirms it has notified the UAW that plans for Belvidere will be delayed, but firmly stands by its commitment. As always, the company is committed to engaging with the union on a productive, respectful and forward-looking dialogue.”
The UAW said the failure for the company to plan for the new operations is a violation of its collective bargaining agreement.
“During 2023 national negotiations the parties agreed to the investment plan for Belvidere to address job security concerns impacting bargaining unit members throughout the entire system,” the language of the grievance reads. “The company’s failure to honor its commitments in the U.S. Investment letter is a serious concern to all bargaining unit members.”
Stellantis said it has not violated the contract.
“The company has not violated the commitments made in the investment letter included in the 2023 UAW Collective Bargaining Agreement and strongly objects to the union’s accusations,” Stellantis said. “In fact, the UAW agreed to language that expressly allows the company to modify product investments and employment levels. Therefore, the union cannot legally strike over a violation of this letter at this time.”
The Belvidere Assembly Plant was idled at the end of February 2023 and reopening it was a key component of labor negotiations between Stellantis and the UAW.
The union won the right to strike over product and investment commitments, including the deal to reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant, in its labor contract, the union noted in its news release.
“Under the UAW Stellantis contract, once an issue has been taken through the grievance procedure, the union may authorize a strike over the grievance,” the news release reads. “UAW Stellantis members are prepared to take action if necessary.”
Other UAW chapters that may file grievances include those in Toledo, Ohio, Warren, Michigan, Sterling Heights, Michigan, Detroit, and Kokomo, Indiana.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
