UAW files unfair labor practice charges against Stellantis over contract

(CBS DETROIT) — The United Auto Workers union on Monday filed a federal unfair labor practice charge against Stellantis with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging the automaker is violating contractual obligations and attempting to move production of the Dodge Durango model outside the United States.

The UAW says several local unions have filed complaints against the automaker, alleging that Stellantis is refusing to provide information about its plans for product commitments made in Negotiation agreement for 2023.

Durango is assembled at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. Stellantis has a portfolio of 14 brands, including Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Fiat and Maserati.

Union President Shawn Fain will address the issue during a Facebook Live broadcast at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The live stream will also be available on the UAW’s YouTube channel and other social media accounts, according to a news release.

“We secured major benefits in our 2023 contract, including a commitment to reopen the idled Belvidere, Illinois, assembly plant and build the Dodge Durango in Detroit. We also won the right to strike on those commitments if necessary,” Fain said in a statement. “Now, Stellantis wants out of the deal. As a unified UAW, we intend to enforce our contract and hold Stellantis accountable.”

Stellantis responded as follows:

UAW and Stellantis this year we were in conflict after a union accused the carmaker of delaying reopening Belvidere, Illinois Assembly PlantThe plant was unused in 2023, but under a 2023 agreement, the carmaker committed to reopening the facility.

In August 2024, the UAW threatened to strike over delayed reopening of the plantstating that Stellantis was not “open” to discussions about continuing work on opening Belvidere, and that the breach impacts the carmaker’s other commitments under the agreement.

On Monday, the UAW union said more than a dozen local unions had filed grievances over the delay in reopening the Belvidere plant.

“Stellantis is one of the most profitable auto companies in the world, and it makes money in the U.S.,” Kevin Gotinsky, UAW Stellantis Department, said in a statement. “UAW members generate that profit and create the product that keeps this company running. We will take action, if necessary, to stop Stellantis from violating our contract and abandoning the American worker.”

Last week, Stellantis announced that investing more than $400 million in three facilities in Michiganone of which will be used to build an all-electric vehicle. The investments will go to Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Warren Truck Assembly Plant and Dundee Engine Plant, according to a news release.

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