United Auto Workers (UAW) members have voted to authorize a strike at Stellantis’ Michigan stamping plant if talks between company leadership and union officials fail to resolve alleged safety issues in the coming weeks.
In April, the UAW warned Stellantis that it would hold a strike authorization vote in May after the automaker failed to address multiple safety and health concerns raised by workers at the Warren Stamping facility. Complaints ranged from poor ventilation and oil leaks to flooding and a lack of protective equipment.
The results of that vote were announced Monday, with 72% casting their ballot in favor of striking if a deal is not reached. Stellantis employs more than 1,000 workers at the plant, but it is not clear how many participated in yesterday’s polling. A strike would likely have a considerable impact on the automaker’s operations, as the facility manufactures key components used at other Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler factories throughout North and South America.
However, a work stoppage is not guaranteed as the UAW has yet to issue a timeline for averting a strike. Negotiations between Stellantis and union members over the issue were already underway before the vote was announced, although it is not clear what progress has been made. Company spokesperson Ann Marie Fortunate noted in a statement yesterday that the automaker “remains committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees and resolving this matter without a work stoppage.”
