The United Auto Workers (UAW) has reached a preliminary agreement with axle supplier Dauch Corp, bringing an end to a 10-day strike at its Three Rivers, Michigan plant. Announced by UAW President Shawn Fain, the deal offers a significant wage increase, with a top rate of $30 per hour by 2030, marking over a 36% rise in four years.
The agreement, which still requires ratification by UAW Local 2093 members, addresses long-standing wage concerns, providing a substantial boost compared to the $4 increase seen since 2008.
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The United Auto Workers (UAW) has successfully concluded a significant labor dispute, reaching a new agreement with axle supplier Dauch Corp following a challenging 10-day strike. The resolution, announced by UAW President Shawn Fain on Wednesday, directly impacts the company's crucial Three Rivers, Michigan, plant.
The strike specifically targeted Dauch Corp – formerly known as American Axle – a vital supplier of axles for General Motors' full-size and midsize trucks manufactured at the Three Rivers facility. The sustained industrial action underscored the union's commitment to improving worker conditions.
Key details of the provisional agreement, as outlined by Josh Jager, bargaining chairman for UAW Local 2093, include a substantial wage increase. The deal proposes a top wage rate of $30 per hour by 2030, representing an increase of more than 36% over four years. This development is particularly significant given the historical context: workers at the Dauch plant in 2008 agreed to accept lower wages, with the top wage having only increased by a modest $4 to $22 per hour since that time.
Members of UAW Local 2093 are now slated to vote on the new agreement. Until the contract is officially ratified by the membership, the UAW has indicated that the strike will continue. A spokesperson for Dauch Corp issued a statement acknowledging the efforts from both sides: "We appreciate the efforts of both the UAW and Dauch labor negotiations teams to find common ground," highlighting the collaborative path to resolution.
This outcome marks a notable achievement for the UAW in its broader campaign for enhanced wages and benefits across the automotive and auto parts manufacturing sectors, setting a precedent for future negotiations.
