UAW Challenges Stellantis Over Potential Durango Production Shift to Canada
Union Alleges Contract Violation In Dodge Durango Move...
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is voicing concerns over what it claims are Stellantis’ efforts to shift Dodge Durango production out of Detroit and into Windsor, Ontario, Canada. According to the union, local chapters representing thousands of UAW members have filed contract grievances, alleging that this move would violate the terms of their current contract with Stellantis.
The Dodge Durango is currently manufactured at the Detroit Assembly Complex-Jefferson (DACJ), formerly known as Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP). However, specific details surrounding Stellantis’ alleged attempt to move Durango production out of the U.S. have not been made public.
In addition to these grievances, the UAW has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Stellantis. The union accuses the automaker of failing to disclose critical information regarding its future product commitments, which the union claims is a violation of the recently negotiated 2023 UAW Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Stellantis responded to the labor practice charges but stopped short of addressing the specific claims about the Durango’s production. “Stellantis has not received the filing, and therefore has not had an opportunity to review the charge. The company has not violated the commitments made in the Investment Letter included in the 2023 UAW Collective Bargaining Agreement,” said Stellantis spokeswoman Jodi Tinson. She added, “Like all of our competitors, Stellantis is attempting to carefully manage how and when we bring new vehicles to market, with a focus on enhancing our competitiveness and ensuring our future sustainability and growth. We will communicate our plans to the UAW at the appropriate time.”
UAW President Shawn Fain criticized Stellantis for what he describes as a breach of the contract’s terms. “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,” Fain stated in a press release. “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.”
The dispute comes as Stellantis faces additional pressure from both the UAW and other parties. Last week, UAW members rallied at Local 140 in Warren, Michigan, accusing the company of falling short on its promised investments. Stellantis has also been under fire from its U.S. dealers, who sent a letter to CEO Carlos Tavares criticizing the company’s direction amid declining sales.
The UAW has previously threatened a national strike over the closure of the Belvidere Assembly Plant, though Stellantis has argued that such a strike would not be legally permissible. As tensions rise, the UAW is preparing for further action, with Fain set to address union members in a live broadcast at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday via the union’s social media platforms.
19 replies
Loading new replies...
Join the full discussion at the Mopar Insiders Forum →