Assembly Lines
UAW Members Move Toward Strikes at Multiple Manufacturing Plants
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — United Auto Workers members at multiple manufacturing facilities are moving toward potential labor actions while others have reached tentative agreements, highlighting ongoing contract pressures across the sector.
More than 800 workers at Woodward MPC in Niles, Ill., are preparing to hold a strike authorization vote after what union officials described as months of stalled negotiations. The facility produces components for defense and aerospace applications.
“Woodward has a choice to make: This company can either negotiate a fair contract… or the workers will shut [it] down, with the full backing of the UAW International Union,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.
Union officials said the company has committed multiple unfair labor practices since workers voted to join the UAW last fall. Workers are seeking higher wages, improved progression, time off and job security.
“Woodward is offering our members a thirteen cent raise at a time when the company is making record profits,” said Jose Tapia, Woodward worker and President of UAW Local 5101. “That is what they offered, and then they refused to bargain. So, before this company decided to break the law and walk away from the table altogether, they told us what they think of us. Because they think they can offer us nothing. Break the law. And we’ll take it. We are here to show them exactly how wrong they are.”
Meanwhile, at American Axle’s Three Rivers, Mich., plant, UAW Local 2093 members plan to begin a strike authorization vote May 11, with results expected May 12. A work stoppage could begin May 31 when the current contract expires.
“This company is making billions every year – these workers are ready to do whatever it takes to win a record contract,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes.
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Union members said they are seeking wage increases, improved benefits and stronger job security, citing long-term wage reductions following concessions made during the 2008 recession.
“American Axle is a mainstay in this community, and we’re fighting to make it better by making our lives better,” said Jay Korf, a UAW Local 2093 member at American Axle. “We’re not asking to break the bank; we’re demanding our fair share after all our sacrifices and years spent building this company back up.”
Finally, UAW members at CNH Industrial’s Racine, Wis., facility reached a tentative five-year agreement covering approximately 300 workers. The plant manufactures high-horsepower agricultural equipment.
The proposed contract includes general wage increases of 22% for production workers and 29% for skilled trades employees.
“This tentative agreement reflects the strength and solidarity of our members in Racine,” said UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson, Ag/Imp department director. “Workers stood together to win meaningful wage increases, improvements in health and safety protections, stronger retirement benefits, and commitments that help secure the future of this plant and the jobs it supports.”
The agreement will be presented to union members for ratification.
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