The UAW is planning more strikes against Franco-Italian automaker Stellantis, about a year after the last strike cost the Detroit-based automaker billions of dollars and put 50,000 out of work.
The UAW accuses Stellantis of breaching its contractual obligations and announces that local branches of the union are preparing strikes that could halt production entirely. This threat comes after last year’s strike, which cost Stellantis about 750 million euros, reports Reuters.
Stellantis operations in North America are already under pressure, and the strike threat comes as the US presidential election approaches, in which the UAW is reportedly supporting US Vice President Kamala Harris.
The UAW said 28 local union chapters have filed grievances against Stellantis, and 18 of them are close to voting to strike. Stellantis criticized the UAW for damaging the company’s reputation, but the union responded that Stellantis had become an example of mismanagement.
The main points of contention are delays in investment in a new battery plant in Illinois and the possible relocation of production of the Dodge Durango model outside the US, which particularly affects the union. Stellantis said that no plans to relocate Durango production have been confirmed.
Despite the problems in the US business, inventories of Stellantis vehicles have increased, which could ease the current pressure on the company if there is a strike. Analysts suggest the UAW could target factories that make in-demand models, such as the Jeep SUV.
Source: Biznis.rs
Photo: Arhiva Autoblog.rs / Stellantis
Source: autoblog.rs
