UAW strike update: Stellantis 'outraged' after union targets Sterling Heights Assembly
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich (FOX 2) - Stellantis said it is "outraged" by the UAW's decision to strike its largest plant, Sterling Heights Assembly.
On Monday morning, 6,800 union members walked out of the plant, accompanied by UAW President Shawn Fain.
UAW members walk out of Sterling Heights Assembly on Oct. 23, 2023
This new strike target comes after Fain said in an update Friday that negotiation progress had been made with Stellantis and General Motors.
"Last Thursday morning, Stellantis presented a new, improved offer to the UAW, including 23% wage increases over the life of the contract, nearly a 50% increase in our contributions to the retirement savings plan, and additional job security protections for our employees," Stellantis said in a statement. "Following multiple conversations that appeared to be productive, we left the bargaining table expecting a counter-proposal, but have been waiting for one ever since."
Previously, Fain would announce new targets during his Friday updates but changed that strategy after a few weeks. Instead of waiting until the end of the to announce who is going to the picket line, he said he will announce new strike locations whenever negotiations were not making progress.
There are about 14,300 UAW members from 22 Stellantis facilities who are now on strike.
Across the Big Three, around 40,000 UAW members are striking.
Through last week, it is estimated that the strike has cost more than $9.3 billion in losses.
Full Stellantis statement:
"We are outraged that the UAW has chosen to expand its strike action against Stellantis. Last Thursday morning, Stellantis presented a new, improved offer to the UAW, including 23% wage increases over the life of the contract, nearly a 50% increase in our contributions to the retirement savings plan, and additional job security protections for our employees. Following multiple conversations that appeared to be productive, we left the bargaining table expecting a counter-proposal, but have been waiting for one ever since.
"Our very strong offer would address member demands and provide immediate financial gains for our employees. Instead, the UAW has decided to cause further harm to the entire automotive industry as well as our local, state and national economies.
"The UAW’s continued disturbing strategy of "wounding" all the Detroit 3 will have long-lasting consequences. With every decision to strike, the UAW sacrifices domestic market share to non-union competition. These actions not only decrease our market share, but also impact our profitability and therefore, our ability to compete, invest and preserve the record profit sharing payments our employees have enjoyed over the past two years."