UAW Strike Idles Ram 1500 Pickup Production
UAW workers walked out of Ram’s Sterling Heights, Mich., factory on Monday, bringing production of the brand’s most popular models to a halt.
The factory is the only one that builds the latest version of the Ram 1500 pickup, which is part of the third-best selling model line in the U.S.
Ram manufactures the last-generation 1500 Classic and Heavy Duty Pickup at other locations.
The UAW said Ram’s parent Stellantis has offered the “”worst contract proposal, compared to Ford and GM. All”the worst proposal on the table regarding wage progression, temporary worker pay and conversion to full-time, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and more.”
NEXT-GENERATION RAM 1500 SPOTTED, BUT WHAT’S UNDER THE HOOD?
“We are outraged that the UAW has chosen to expand its strike action against Stellantis. Last Thursday morning, Stellantis presented a new, improved offer to the UAW, including 23 percent wage increases over the life of the contract, nearly a 50 percent increase in our contributions to the retirement savings plan, and additional job security protections for our employees. Following multiple conversations that appeared to be productive, we left the bargaining table expecting a counter-proposal, but have been waiting for one ever since,” Stellantis said in a statement.
There are now approximately 40,000 UAW workers on strike across the three automakers. The union was already striking at Stellantis’ Toledo, Ohio, facility that produces the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator.
The strike had already led Stellantis to cancel its plans for the SEMA Show, Los Angeles Auto Show and CES.
Last week the UAW expanded its strike against Ford by walking out of its Kentucky Truck Plant, which builds the F-Series Super Duty, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.
According to Cox Automotive, Ram had built up 115 days of Pickup inventory in early September before the strike began.
A redesigned Ram 1500 had been scheduled to be introduced early next year.
