The United Auto Workers (UAW) has set the stage for a potential strike at Stellantis plants, with a timeline that could see workers on the picket line as soon as mid-October. The union’s grievances stem from the automaker’s delays in reopening the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, a facility that was shuttered in early 2023.
The UAW, representing Stellantis workers, outlined a five-step process for escalating the dispute, beginning with strike authorization votes by October 4 and possibly leading to a strike after October 18. The union argues that Stellantis is not meeting its contractual obligations to reopen the Belvidere plant, including a commitment to build a midsize pickup there starting in 2027. The UAW claims that Stellantis’s failure to uphold this promise could jeopardize billions of dollars in investments at other facilities.
On Tuesday, Stellantis confirmed its decision to delay the plant’s reopening, citing market conditions and the need to meet a broad range of consumer demands. The company also contends that the UAW “cannot legally strike” over the Belvidere issue, according to the terms of their most recent contract. However, the union disputes this, asserting it has the right to strike over issues like plant closures and product commitments.
The UAW’s grievances, filed by chief union stewards at several Stellantis plants, triggered a countdown that could escalate to a strike. If the grievances are unresolved, union members at the participating plants are expected to take strike authorization votes by October 4. This would give union leaders the power to call a strike, followed by at least seven days of negotiations with Stellantis executives, culminating by October 18.
UAW officials, including President Shawn Fain and Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell, plan to rally Thursday morning at the Local 1268 union hall in Belvidere. The rally aims to pressure Stellantis to fulfill its commitment to reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant and invest in thousands of jobs in the community.
Fain expressed concerns that Stellantis’s delays might be a strategy to postpone reopening the plant until 2028 when a new contract with the UAW will need to be negotiated. “They say they want to ‘delay’ reopening Belvidere Assembly, but they want to kick the can past our contract expiration so they can suddenly cite ‘market conditions’ again and never open this plant,” Fain said. He also warned that the company’s actions could set a precedent for reneging on other commitments, particularly during a time when Stellantis is laying off workers despite record profits.
However, Stellantis has argued that it must be adaptable as it transitions toward electric vehicles and contends that other automakers, such as Ford Motor Co., are also making difficult investment decisions. Ford recently announced it would reduce spending on EVs and cancel plans for an all-electric three-row SUV.
The Belvidere plant’s future remains uncertain as the UAW ramps up pressure on Stellantis. Local 1268 President Matt Frantzen questioned whether a strike would have the desired effect, noting that Stellantis’s current high inventory levels might make a strike advantageous for the company. “In my opinion, the company would be fine with a strike right now,” Frantzen wrote on Facebook. “It would help them with their inventory without paying us.”
As the standoff continues, the UAW prepares for a potential strike, aiming to hold Stellantis accountable for its commitments to the Belvidere community and beyond.
