Stellantis 'Outraged' After Union Expands Strike To Macomb Co. Plant

DETROIT — Detroit automaker Stellantis NV is outraged after 6,800 United Auto Worker members were ordered to walk off the job Monday at one of its most profitable plants.

The automaker said last Thursday it presented the union a better offer that included 23 percent wage increases over the life of the contract, nearly a 50 percent increase in contributions to the retirement savings plan and additional job security protections for its employees.

Stellantis NV said they expected a counterproposal from the union, but never got one. Instead, 6,800 United Auto Worker members walked out of its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, its largest plant and where it builds the popular Ram light-duty pickup trucks.

"We are outraged that the UAW has chosen to expand its strike action against Stellantis," the automaker said in a statement. "Our very strong offer would address member demands and provide immediate financial gains for our employees. Instead, the UAW has decided to cause further harm to the entire automotive industry as well as our local, state and national economies."

As of Tuesday morning, there were roughly 40,000 United Auto Workers members on strike against Detroit's Big Three: Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Stellantis NV. Roughly 14,300 of those striking United Auto Worker members were from 22 Stellantis facilities.

The historic UAW strike against Detroit's Big Three began on Sept. 8 after the union's contract expired without a new one in place. It's the first time ever the union launched a strike against all three automakers at the same time.