“Keep the promise” says United Auto Workers union as they put pressure on Stellantis to reopen shutdown plant
Stellantis has a problem with low sales for its cars. Of course, the automaker has several stellar brands under its umbrella, but more is needed to attract buyers. Naturally, low sales have led to layoffs and talks of other drastic measures. Now, the United Auto Workers union is firing back and demanding Stellantis reopen one of the manufacturing plants it closed.
Stellantis is making a habit of closing the plants that make its cars
Stellantis and its cars are in a tough spot. Most of the car companies it owns are down, which also means profits are in the proverbial toilet. Now, according to the Detroit Free Press, the company is facing pressure to put workers first. One of the demands is that the company reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. The other item on the union’s list is for Stellantis to continue producing the Dodge Durango in Detroit.
On October 3rd, United Auto Workers union members held a rally in Sterling Heights to promote the cause involving Stellantis cars. Of course, the rally featured speeches from the union’s leadership. Chants could also be heard, with the most notable being “Keep the promise” and “Fire Tavares.”
For context, the CEO of Stellantis is Carlos Tavares. The union has recently called him out several times for the various layoffs the company has forced workers through. The rally concluded with the union and its supporters marching about half a mile to the Sterling Stamping Plant.
Notably, Stellantis closed the Belvidere Assembly Plant in early 2023 due to low sales and a focus on EVs. Before this, it was home to the production of the Jeep Cherokee and other Stellantis cars. Stellantis came to an agreement with the UAW union to reopen the plant, but these plans have been delayed. Regarding the Dodge Durango, the company has not announced plans to move production. However, the union is concerned that this might be a move Stellantis is considering.
After the rally, Stellantis released a statement. The company accused union leadership of “spreading misinformation to the members he represents.” The statement also mentioned “indisputable volatility in the market, especially as the industry transitions to an electrified future.” Only time will tell what decisions Stellantis makes next to raise profits and streamline production.
