Automotive

UAW considers strike at Stellantis plant over health, safety issues

April 30, 2024

United Auto Workers (UAW) members at a Stellantis plant in Michigan have health and safety grievances so severe they are considering going on strike.

Some 1,100 union-represented workers at the Stellantis Warren Stamping Plant in Warren, Mich., “are facing a wide range of issues, including problems with ventilation fans, ergo matting, personal protective equipment (PPE), flooding, basement lighting and flooring, restrooms, oil leaks, overall sanitation, and more,” the union said in a statement on Tuesday.

Because of the unresolved grievances, UAW Local 869 has scheduled a strike authorization vote for Monday, May 6. The union noted that Local 869 also voted on April 2 to authorize a strike over local contract issues.

The Warren plant supplies parts for more than half a dozen Stellantis plants from Canada to Mexico. “Any work stoppage could particularly impact production of the Dodge Ram, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Wagoneer,” the union warned.

“We’re standing up for health and safety at Warren Stamping,” said Local 869 President Romaine McKinney III. “Our union grievance procedure gives us the power to stand up for safety on the job, and we intend to take action if necessary.”

Note that authorizing a strike does not necessarily mean that a strike will occur, but it gives the union the right to strike should their concerns continue to go unaddressed.

A spokeswoman for Stellantis told SMU the company is “committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.” Additionally, the company “aims to resolve this matter without a work stoppage,” she said.

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. She has held a variety of positions within the steel industry since 2007, including reporting and editing for Steel Business Briefing/Platts, the Association for Iron and Steel Technology, and Kallanish Commodities, as well as marketing for what was then known as ThyssenKrupp Steel USA (now AM/NS Calvert). After a five-year hiatus working across other industries, she returned to steel in 2021 and has covered the flat rolled, tubular, and trade areas of the industry. She is a member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and a past-president of the AWMI Pittsburgh Chapter. She holds a BA in Latin American Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She can be reached at laura@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7869.