Warren Stamping UAW Members Vote To Strike Over Conditions

In a decisive move reflecting growing discontent, United Auto Workers (UAW) members at Stellantis’ Warren Stamping Plant have voted to favor a strike, citing unresolved safety issues within the facility. The vote, which saw 72% in favor and 28% opposed, underscores the urgency felt by workers regarding the conditions they face on the job.

“Not only do we want these health and safety grievances resolved, we want our members to leave the same way they came,” asserted Romaine McKinney III, President of UAW Local 869. ”We want members to understand they’re not just a number or just a body on the line. They will come to work and feel like they have some ownership in that building.”

McKinney’s sentiments echo those of workers, whose grievances encompass a range of issues, from malfunctioning equipment like non-working fans to unsanitary bathroom conditions. A union video on social media provides a glimpse into employees’ challenges, depicting standing liquid and debris on the plant floor alongside accounts of oil leaks and other hazards.

In response to the vote, Stellantis reiterated its commitment to fostering a safe work environment and expressed a desire to resolve the matter through ongoing discussions with the UAW. “While the members of UAW Local 869 from Stellantis’ Warren Stamping Plant have voted to authorize a strike, discussions between the company and UAW are ongoing, and employees are still at work,” stated a spokesperson from Stellantis. “Stellantis remains committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees and resolving this matter without a work stoppage.”

Despite the vote, operations at the Warren Stamping Plant continue for now, but the specter of a potential strike looms large until a resolution is reached. The plant holds significant importance within Stellantis’ manufacturing network, supplying parts for a diverse range of vehicles, including:

• Chrysler Pacifica
• Chrysler Grand Caravan
• Chrysler Voyager
• Dodge Durango
• Ram 1500
• Ram 1500 Classic
• Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty
• Jeep® Grand Cherokee
• Jeep Wagoneer
• Jeep Grand Wagoneer
• Jeep Gladiator
• Jeep Wrangler

As negotiations unfold, the spotlight remains on Stellantis and its response to the pressing issues its workforce raises. The outcome of these discussions will shape the working conditions at the Warren Stamping Plant and serve as a barometer for labor relations within the broader automotive sector.