DETROIT, May 31 - The United Auto Workers on Sunday directed employees at a Michigan driveline plant to begin a strike at midnight (0400 GMT). The facility, located in Three Rivers and owned by Dauch Corp, produces axles used in General Motors pickup trucks.
The UAW said the work stoppage will affect about 1,000 unionized employees at the plant. In a livestream announcing the action, UAW President Shawn Fain framed the move as a response to long-standing pay and benefit reductions, saying the members "built you an empire of profit while getting treated like dirt. They’ve taken wage cuts, benefit cuts, they poured their souls into this plant."
Dauch Corp - formerly known as American Axle - is identified by the union as a major supplier of driveline components. The company could not be reached for immediate comment late on Sunday, according to the union's statement.
General Motors said it is closely monitoring developments at the Three Rivers plant and is "assessing any potential impact." The factory supplies axles used in GM pickup trucks, vehicles the article identifies as among the automaker's most profitable models.
The UAW is seeking wage increases for the plant's workers, noting that employees agreed to concessions to keep the facility open in 2008. The union said current top pay at the site reaches $22 an hour after a five-year progression period - a decline from wages that reached as much as $29 an hour in 2008. Earlier in May, workers at the plant approved strike authorization by a 98% margin.
Context and immediate facts
- The walkout was ordered to begin at midnight local time (0400 GMT).
- The plant is in Three Rivers, Michigan, and is owned by Dauch Corp.
- Approximately 1,000 unionized workers are employed at the facility, according to the UAW.
- Workers voted in early May to authorize a strike, with 98% in favor.
The situation remains fluid. The union has made public statements characterizing the duration of pay and benefit declines and the history of concessions; company comment from Dauch was not immediately available. GM indicated it is monitoring and assessing potential impacts but did not quantify any expected operational disruptions.