ADVICE – United Auto worker Union members went on strike Saturday at the Stellantis foundry in Indiana, citing health and safety issues including the company’s alleged refusal fix and replace factory heating and air conditioning systems.
The 35-acre factory in Kokomo manufactures parts used in the powertrain of Chrysler, Avoid, Jeep car and smack vehicles and a prolonged strike could affect vehicle assembly lines across North America.
Stellantis said production has not been scheduled for this weekend and it hopes to resume negotiations as soon as possible on a contract with the strike. UAW Local 1166.
In a statement, Stellantis said it was committed to “providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. After negotiating in good faith for two days and making an offer that we believe addresses the union’s concerns, we are deeply disappointed by the UAW’s decision to resign. “
According to Stellantis, the 1,200 worker factory, Kokomo Casting, is the largest die casting facility in the world. It makes aluminum parts for parts including gearboxes and engine blocks.
The local UAW complained in a statement that Stellantis “stated that it did not have the funds to meet the basic needs of its members while” generating record profits and investing billions of dollars in a the battery planted across the street. “
UAW local president David Willis did not immediately call back seeking comment. One person who answered the phone at union offices said he was preparing for the resumption of talks.
The foundry will be retooled to produce engine blocks for hybrid-electric vehicles.
In May, Stellantis announced a $2.5 billion joint venture with Samsung to build a tram The battery factory in Kokomo needs 1,400 workers.
Stellantis, founded last year with the merger of Fiat Chrysler and France’s PSA Peugeot, said it will build two electric vehicle battery factories in North America. The other is expected in Windsor, Ontario.
