More than 1,000 union workers at the Stellantis' Warren Stamping Plant in Warren, MI, voted May 6 to authorize a potential strike, escalating tensions over unresolved health and safety issues, ranging from inadequate ventilation to insufficient personal protective equipment.
“We must stand up and stand together for this health and safety grievance procedure because this is our livelihood,” said Local 869 member Chautay Smith. “So, let’s stand up at Warren Stamping and take care of us the way we need to be taken care of.”
The Warren Stamping Plant, a supplier to more than half a dozen Stellantis facilities across North America, is integral to the production of popular models like the Ram, Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wagoneer. A work stoppage could significantly disrupt operations, impacting Stellantis' production chain from Windsor, Ontario, to Saltillo, Mexico.
“Not only do we want these health and safety grievances resolved, we want our members to leave the same way they came,” UAW Local 869 President Romaine McKinney III said. “We want members to understand they’re not just a number or just a body on the line. They will come to work and feel like they have some ownership in that building.”
The issues at the plant include problems with ventilation fans, ergonomic matting, flooding, basement lighting and flooring, restrooms, oil leaks and general sanitation.
The UAW pointed out Stellantis made nearly $20 billion in profits last year, and CEO Carlos Tavares was compensated more than $37 million in 2023.
