Stellantis denies reneging on commitments with UAW By Reuters

(Reuters) – Stellantis (NYSE: ) denied on Monday it had failed to honor its commitments to the United Auto Workers under a deal that runs through 2023, even as the union prepares for an unprecedented strike a year after a walkout national.

UAW President Shawn Fain said last week that several of the union’s local chapters were planning strikes after accusing Stellantis of breaking contract promises.

The union’s grievances center around the company’s product and investment commitments made during contract negotiations last fall.

The main sticking points for the UAW relate to delays in a planned multibillion-dollar investment in a new plant and battery plant in Belvidere, Illinois, and possible plans by Stellantis to move production of the Dodge Durango SUV from the US.

“To be clear, Stellantis has complied and will continue to comply with the agreement reached by the parties in 2023,” said Stellantis North America COO Carlos Zarlenga.

The North American operations of Chrysler parent Stellantis have struggled and drawn criticism from consumers and workers who said the company was not doing enough to boost demand.