UAW union files unfair labor charges against Stellantis, accuses automaker of violating contract

DETROIT — The United Auto Workers union on Monday said it had filed federal unfair labor practice charges against Stellantis for allegedly violating contract terms and attempting to move production of the Dodge Durango out of the U.S.

The charges are the latest action the union has taken against Stellantis, which has drawn the ire of UAW leaders for production cuts, layoffs and other actions since the two sides reached a new contract last year.

“In our 2023 contract, we won major gains, including a commitment to reopen an idled assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, and to build the Dodge Durango in Detroit. We also won the right to strike over those commitments, if we have to,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement. “Now, Stellantis wants to go back on the deal. As a united UAW, we intend to enforce our contract, and to make Stellantis keep the promise.”

The union said several UAW local chapters covering thousands of members have also filed contract grievances over the company’s attempt to move Dodge Durango production out of the United States, allegedly in violation of the UAW’s national agreement. 

Stellantis, which has delayed plans for the Illinois plant, did not immediately respond for comment.

The company argued last month that it “has not violated the commitments made in the Investment Letter included in the 2023 UAW Collective Bargaining Agreement and strongly objects to the union’s accusations.”

The National Labor Relations Board did not immediately respond to confirm the UAW’s filings of unfair labor practice charges. The union has several open charges against many automakers in the U.S.

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