UAW says Stellantis boosts wage-hike offer to 19.5pc

Members of United Auto Workers strike outside the Michigan Ford Assembly Plant, in Wayne, Michigan September 15, 2023. ― Reuters pic

Saturday, 16 Sep 2023 1:32 PM MYT

DETROIT, Sept 16 ― Stellantis’ latest offer to the striking United Auto Workers includes raising wages 19.5 per cent and making salaried workers hourly, the Detroit News reported yesterday, citing the union.

The offer from Chrysler’s parent company includes consolidating after-sales parts plants and increasing the number of supplemental workers the Jeep maker can use, the report said.

UAW President Shawn Fain said on Wednesday that Stellantis had proposed a 17.5 per cent pay hike.

Union Vice President Rich Boyer criticised the proposal at a Friday rally in Detroit as “concessionary” and the result of concerns over the electrification transition, the report added.

The first simultaneous strike against the Detroit Three automakers, launched yesterday, has halted production at three plants, producing the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Colorado, along with other popular models.

The union, which represents 146,000 US auto workers, has been asking for 40 per cent pay raises through September 2027 and major improvements in benefits as part of what it calls “audacious” demands. ― Reuters