UAW Holds “Keep the Promise” Rally in Sterling Heights

Approximately 400 United Auto Workers (UAW) members gathered outside UAW Local 1264 in Sterling Heights, Michigan on Thursday, to rally for the reopening of the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois and to advocate for the continued production of the Dodge Durango in Detroit. The rally featured speeches from UAW leadership, including President Shawn Fain, who emphasized the significance of the moment for American workers.

Fain addressed the crowd, asking, “Are you ready to do whatever we have to do to save American jobs? This is our generation’s defining moment. Over this last year, we moved a lot of mountains, but we’ve got more mountains to move.” The rally was marked by chants of “Keep the Promise” and “Fire Tavares,” referring to Carlos Tavares, the CEO of Stellantis.

The rally comes in response to Stellantis’s recent announcements, which included the indefinite layoff of union-represented workers and the decision to cut a shift at Warren Truck this year. The automaker has also been noncommittal about the future of next-generation Dodge Durango production, leading to concerns among union members about job security.

In response to the rally, Stellantis issued a news release asserting that UAW President Shawn Fain was “spreading misinformation.” The company highlighted its commitment to transparency and its interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement. According to Stellantis, the agreement stipulates that all planned investments are subject to, “business factor contingencies,” which include market conditions and consumer demand.

Stellantis stated, “There is indisputable volatility in the market, especially as the industry transitions to an electrified future.” The company acknowledged that while the reopening of the Belvidere Assembly Plant has been delayed, it has offered a “nearer-term alternative for the Mega Hub” that could provide more favorable employment options for UAW-represented employees.

Moreover, Stellantis emphasized that the UAW does not have the legal right to strike regarding investment decisions based on the contingencies outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. They noted that the union’s grievances, which do not consider these contingencies, are deemed invalid from the company’s perspective. “A strike right now has the potential to further weaken the company at a critical time,” Stellantis cautioned.

Carlos Zarlenga, COO of Stellantis North America, reiterated the company’s adherence to the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, stating, “Let me be crystal clear, we have abided by and will continue to abide by the 2023 collective bargaining agreement. It is in everyone’s best interest to have a healthy company that can compete in a global marketplace. This is a time for us to work together, not against each other.”

The rally reflects ongoing tensions between Stellantis and the UAW as both sides navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing automotive landscape. As the UAW continues to push for job security and investment commitments, Stellantis maintains that its decisions are grounded in current market realities. The outcome of this dispute remains to be seen as both parties seek to find common ground.

Video Sources: Fox 2 Detroit, WXYZ 7 Detroit, and UAW