UAW Files Unfair Labor Charges Against Ford Rival Stellantis

Last fall’s master contract negotiations between the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and the Detroit Big Three automakers – Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis – didn’t exactly go smoothly by anyone’s definition. However, following the UAW’s six-week-long targeted strike, all sides were ultimately able to find some common ground and hammer out a new contract – albeit one that will likely have long-lasting repercussions. Problem is, one of those automakers is now seemingly in a bit of hot water after it is reportedly not living up to the terms of that contract.

That automaker is Stellantis, which is now facing unfair labor practice charges from the UAW over allegations that it failed to provide information about the company’s plans regarding product commitments it made in the UAW’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement. Additionally, several UAW locals have also filed contract grievances over the company’s attempt to move Dodge Durango production out of the United States, in violation of the union’s national agreement.

“In our 2023 contract, we won major gains, including a commitment to reopen an idled assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, and to build the Dodge Durango in Detroit. We also won the right to strike over those commitments, if we have to,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Now, Stellantis wants to go back on the deal. As a united UAW, we intend to enforce our contract, and to make Stellantis keep the promise.”

As Ford Authority previously reported, Stellantis has been facing serious problems in the U.S., specifically, where profits have plummeted as of late while inventory grows – drawing the ire of its dealer network, in addition to the UAW. Stellantis also reportedly opted not to reopen its Belvidere Assembly plant in Illinois and build a mid-size pickup there as previously planned, which was also included in its contract agreement with the union, which is something the UAW just addressed last last month.