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On the United Auto Workers’ weekly Facebook Live broadcast on Nov. 2 UAW President Shawn Fain warned non-union U.S. auto makers that "we are coming for you" as he vowed renewed efforts to organize non-union plants in the U.S.
The live-streamed event introduced the recently negotiated UAW contract to Stellantis union members for ratification voting in the coming weeks. With the Stellantis UAW bargaining team in the background, Fain stood at a lectern across from UAW Stellantis Vice-President Rich Boyer.
Starting out the highlight preview, Fain immediately noted that Toyota, which has several plants in the U.S., including one in Princeton, Ind., recently gave all their employees an across-the-board raise.
“They are not raising wages out of the goodness of their heart," said Fain. "They did it because they know we are coming for them. Even though you are not members of our union, the pay raise Toyota is giving you is the ‘UAW Bump.’ UAW, that stands for ‘U Are Welcome.’ You are welcome to join our stand-up movement."
Part of the highlights revealed agreements with Stellantis to eliminate tiers at all facilities, particularly MOPAR parts divisions. Along with tier elimination, for temporary employees there was a path to permanent employment with the company. "The era of perma-temps is over," said Fain.
In the new agreement, temporary workers would also get supplemental pay for layoffs, profit sharing, and other benefits that only permanent employees receive now.
The contract comes with a $5,000 ratification bonus if the contract is voted in, and in an unprecedented move, Fain revealed that Stellantis Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill., will be re-opened as a joint venture battery manufacturing facility.
The Belvidere plant was slated to close earlier this year, and layoffs had already begun. Former Belvidere employees will have a chance to transfer back, taking their seniority and pay with them to the new venture.
Also, UAW employees will be offered a unique auto leasing program for Stellantis vehicles that will include a discount, no credit check financing, and the company will pay for registration and license plates.
To see more of the Stellantis UAW highlights go to uaw.org/stellantis2023