UAW Calls Strike at Michigan Axle Plant Supplying GM Pickup Trucks

United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain has announced a strike at a Michigan manufacturing facility that produces axles for General Motors’ highly profitable pickup trucks, escalating labor tensions in the U.S. auto industry.

The UAW confirmed that approximately 1,000 unionized employees at the Dauch Corp plant in Three Rivers, Michigan, began walking off the job at midnight Sunday. Dauch Corp, formerly known as American Axle & Manufacturing, is a key supplier of driveline and axle components used in several General Motors vehicles.

The strike comes amid ongoing negotiations over wages and benefits. According to the union, workers have endured significant concessions since 2008 to help keep the facility operational. The UAW stated that top wages at the plant currently reach about $22 per hour after a five-year progression period, compared with as much as $29 per hour nearly two decades ago.

Union leaders argue that employees have not adequately shared in the financial success generated by their work despite contributing to the company’s profitability for years. In early May, workers demonstrated overwhelming support for potential labor action, with 98% voting in favor of authorizing a strike if contract talks failed to produce satisfactory results.

During a livestream announcing the work stoppage, Fain criticized management’s treatment of employees and emphasized the sacrifices workers have made over the past 18 years. He argued that employees helped build a profitable operation while facing wage reductions and cuts to benefits.

General Motors acknowledged the development and said it is closely monitoring the situation while evaluating any possible impact on production. The automaker relies on critical components supplied by the Three Rivers facility, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the production of GM pickup trucks if the strike continues for an extended period.

As labor negotiations continue, the outcome of the strike could have broader implications for wage discussions and labor relations across the automotive manufacturing sector.