The Auto Workers Union of America (UAW) has announced a tentative agreement to end a strike with Stellantis, a global automotive manufacturing firm. The strike, which began on March 24, 2021, has been ongoing for approximately two months and covers more than 20 plants across the United States.
UAW members have been in a stalemate with Stellantis, formerly known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, over the company’s proposed contract changes. The union has been fighting for increased wages, the preservation of renewable health care benefits, and certain other safety measures.
The new tentative agreement was reached after both sides spent hours negotiating behind closed doors. The details of the tentative agreement remain confidential, however, UAW has stated that the agreement “provides members with a strong and fair contract that will move all of us forward.”
The full membership of the union will need to ratify the contract before the strike ends and the workers can return to their jobs. The union is expected to hold a ratification vote in the coming weeks.
The strike has had a ripple effect across the entire U.S automotive industry, with production delays affecting plants beyond those specifically targeted by the strike. The auto industry accounts for approximately 3.5 million jobs in the United States, and any delays in production could significantly hamper the broader U.S economy.
With a tentative agreement now in place, these economic concerns should begin to dissipate as the strike comes to an end. It is unclear when the workers will be able to return to the job, however, the UAW has indicated it will be soon. The union is hoping its members will approve the tentative agreement and put an end to the two-month long strike