According to Reuters, on September 16, the United Auto Workers (UAW) said it had filed an unfair labor practice charge against Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis, for violating a labor contract the two sides reached last fall.
The UAW said it has filed a lawsuit with the National Labor Relations Board because Stellantis has refused to provide information about future product plans. In addition, several local chapters of the union have also filed contract grievances over Stellantis’ attempts to move Dodge Durango production out of the U.S., the UAW said in a press release.
Stellantis said it has not yet received the documents, but emphasized that the company has not violated the investment commitments it made in the 2023 contract. “Like all of our competitors, Stellantis strives to manage how and when we bring new vehicles to market, with a focus on improving competitiveness and ensuring future sustainability and growth. We will communicate our plans to the UAW in due course.”
UAW President Shawn Fain has repeatedly and publicly attacked Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, accusing the latter of “mismanaging” the company, which has led to declining sales and profits, as well as layoffs and production cuts that have impacted union members.Fain said. “As a united union, we intend to enforce our contract and hold Stellantis to its commitments.”
Fain noted that Stellantis has violated promises made in a labor agreement signed last year by delaying a multibillion-dollar investment plan to build a new battery plant in Belvidere, Ill. In August, the UAW said it was prepared to launch a nationwide strike at Stellantis over this and other issues. Stellantis, however, says it has not violated its contract with the UAW.
Since the contract was reached last year, Stellantis has fired some plant employees in an effort to cut costs, drawing the ire of union officials.