UAW members at Stellantis’ Warren Stamping Plant have voted to authorize a strike over issues ranging from nonworking fans to bathroom sanitation, according to the union Monday evening.
The vote to authorize a strike by members of Local 869 does not mean the more than 1,000 members will strike, but it does significantly increase pressure as grievance negotiations play out. Warren Stamping supplies multiple plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico that build the Dodge Durango, Chrysler Pacifica and Ram light- and heavy-duty trucks as well as Jeep Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
The union did not release the vote total, and it wasn’t clear Monday how soon strike action could follow.
The company has been asked for comment. It previously released a statement, saying it “is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees” and “aims to resolve this matter without a work stoppage.”
A union video posted to social media shows images presumably from inside the plant of standing liquid and debris on the floor, with workers describing a litany of issues, including oil leaks.
“Not only do we want these health and safety grievances resolved, we want our members to leave the same way they came,” UAW Local 869 President Romaine McKinney III said in a news release. “We want members to understand they’re not just a number or just a body on the line. They will come to work and feel like they have some ownership in that building.”
Local 869 member Chautay Smith said in the release: “We must stand up and stand together for this health and safety grievance procedure because this is our livelihood. So, let’s stand up at Warren Stamping and take care of us the way we need to be taken care of.”
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