Today, the UAW started striking the only plant to make the “DT” Ram 1500. The company is still making heavy-duty models in Mexico and prior-generation “DS” Ram 1500 Classics in Warren, Michigan.
The union said that Stellantis had “the worst proposal on the table regarding wage progression, temporary worker pay, conversation to full-time, cost-of-living adjustments, and more.” Stellantis has also been stubbornly refusing to allow unionization of new battery plants and is planning numerous location closures. It appears part of this is trying to push to replace unionized warehouse workers with nonunion staff.
The UAW has over 40,000 workers on strike in its first “non-pattern” bargaining, where rather than striking a single company entirely, the union is having individual strikes at various plants. The strike began nearly six weeks ago, and there has been little movement since as all three automakers are trying to keep raises below inflation and move more employment to non-union workers.
While it raised its dividend and executive pay, Ford claimed that any increase beyond its current offer would bankrupt the company. Stellantis recently claimed a massive North American profit but likewise claims it cannot provide more than its current offer without bankruptcy. The company recently shuttered its Belvidere assembly plant and an Indiana transmission plant, and is set to phase out a Michigan engine plant.
