StarPlus Workers Win Union at Stellantis Battery Plant

Workers at the StarPlus Energy battery plant in Kokomo, Indiana — a joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung SDI — have officially joined the United Auto Workers (UAW) after a majority signed union authorization cards. Stellantis confirmed that the union has been recognized as the exclusive bargaining representative of the 420 employees at the site.

The move marks a major milestone in the ongoing push to unionize America’s growing electric vehicle (EV) battery sector. Unlike the tense stand-offs seen at other EV plants, this victory came without any drama or pushback. Stellantis stayed neutral, allowing workers to decide for themselves — and they did.

“Stellantis-leased employees at the StarPlus Energy facility in Kokomo, Indiana, have completed a union organizing card check process, demonstrating majority support for representation by the United Auto Workers,” said Stellantis Director of North America Media Relations, Jodi Tinson, in a statement shared with The Detroit News. “In accordance with established procedures, the UAW has been recognized as the employees’ exclusive bargaining representative.”

This organizing effort was made possible by the 2023 UAW-Stellantis National Agreement, which was reached following a 44-day targeted strike. The contract included a card check process for Stellantis workers assigned to battery joint ventures, such as StarPlus.

“The UAW members at StarPlus stood up to make sure battery jobs are good union jobs,” said Dave Green, UAW Region 2B Director, in a release. “Workers in Indiana and across the region know they deserve fair wages, workplace protections, and the dignity that UAW members have been fighting for the last 90 years.”

StarPlus began battery production in Kokomo earlier this year. The plant is part of a larger Stellantis investment in the city, where the automaker already builds engines and transmissions. Stellantis is investing at least $2.5 billion in the 33-gigawatt-hour (GWh) facility and an additional $3.2 billion in a second battery plant, scheduled for 2027.

For workers like Anna Deweese, the union represents a chance at stability and respect. “Joining the union is going to help us build a better life,” she said. “We’re not asking for the moon—we just want decent pay, affordable healthcare, and to have protections in an uncertain economy.” 

Sara Kidwell, another employee, echoed that sentiment. “When you’re on your own, it’s hard to speak up. But when we stand together, they’ve got to listen. That’s what being in a union is all about.”

As Green put it, “As a union family, they need to know that we’re going to have their back every step of the way.”

Source: The Detroit News / UAW