Sept 27 (Askume) – The United Auto Workers union has asked Stellantis (STLAM.MI) workers for permission to strike, President Sinn Fein said in a letter, accusing the French-Italian automaker of violating its contractual commitments to the manufacturer.
“We unanimously advise members that every UAW worker working at Stellantis should be prepared to fight, and we are all prepared to vote in favor of authorizing a strike at Stellantis,” Finn wrote in the letter, according to a UAW post on Facebook.
The union’s complaint focuses on product and investment promises made by Stellantis during contract negotiations last fall.
“We have reviewed Stellantis for serious breaches of our contracts and a pattern of illegal conduct. The evidence is clear that CEO Carlos Tavares is taking Stellantis down a path that will cause significant harm to our members,” the letter dated Friday said.
Stellantis reiterated that it had met its commitments under its agreement with the UAV through 2023.
The North American operations of Chrysler parent company Stellantis are struggling and facing criticism from consumers and employees who say the company is not doing enough to stimulate demand.
The UAW’s main disputes revolve around delays in plans for a billion-dollar investment in a new battery plant and factory in Belvedere, Illinois, and Stellantis’ potential plans to move production of the Dodge Durango SUV out of the United States.
Finn said earlier this month that several of his local union branches were preparing to strike.
Tavares said he is focused on improving Stellantis’ performance in the U.S., adding that he is open to shutting down the brands globally if they don’t make money.
