Sterling Heights Stellantis plant workers join UAW strike; analyst worries for job losses

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (FOX 2) -
It’s the first major expansion of the Stand-Up strike in nearly two weeks and represents a slowing of progress between the union and Chrysler-maker.

LaMona Wilkins is one of the 6,800 UAW members answering the call from their union president, shutting down production at Sterling Heights Assembly.

"It’s kind of hard right now, because we got kids but got to stand for what you believe in," she said. "And I’m going to be out here standing for what I deserve,

"Everything that we work in here for, we deserve it. What they are giving us is not what they’re supposed to."

The plant in Sterling Heights is the biggest moneymaker for Stellantis the Dodge Ram 1500 - full-size pickups.

"You kind of know that this is the bottom line right there when we’re getting the call because this is their bread and butter," said one worker.

Stellantis says it’s outraged by the move - adding that just last week it gave the union a new and improved offer including a 23 percent wage increase over the lifetime of the contract.

It is a nearly 50 percent increase in company contributions to their retirement savings plan, plus added job security.

And after productive conversations, Stellantis says they expected a counterproposal but never got one.

Related: UAW strike loss grows to more than $9.3 billion, analysis shows

"We can get there. We can get a deal done this week but we got to get serious," UAW President Shawn Fain said. "Stellantis alone made $12 billion in the first six months of this year. They can afford this. They can make it happen. Our workers deserve their share."

"My fear is that this will continue for several more weeks. I don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel," said Thomas Kowal.

Kowal is the president of Seraph, a firm working with auto suppliers on operations and strategy. He says this latest strike expansion means even more trouble for a supply chain already in peril.

"Yes, maybe the positive is they’re going to start producing vehicles quickly here when it gets going," he said. "But long term what decisions will the OEMs make in regards to manufacturing in Michigan if we’re going to have this risk and liability."  

FOX 2: And that could mean more job losses?

"That’s right. Long term, that’s my biggest fear," he said.

More: UAW’s confrontational leader Shawn Fain makes gains in strike talks, but some wonder: Has he reached too far?

In the meantime more workers are set to face life on just $500 a week in strike pay.

"You have to sacrifice for a little bit right now, but in the long run it will work out for everybody," said a picket line worker.