DETROIT — The UAW has raised the issue of union representation at Stellantis’ planned electric vehicle battery plant in Kokomo, Ind., the union confirmed Thursday.
The union doesn’t want to get left out of the EV supply chain, and says the Kokomo site should follow the standards that the organization has fought for. The plant is slated to open in 2025 and create 1,400 jobs. It’s the product of a joint venture between the automaker and Samsung SDI.
“The UAW has approached Stellantis management about union recognition at the joint venture battery plant in Kokomo,” said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who is director of the Stellantis Department, in a statement to Automotive News. “The UAW views this work as replacement to our ICE propulsion work, and we expect this new work to fall under the standards we have spent decades negotiating with the Big 3.”
Carlos Tavares on Wednesday said Stellantis has "zero problems with unions" as the company prepares to build several electric vehicle battery plants in North America.
Even if disagreements may arise at times, the CEO said, discussions with unions are necessary.
"Good dialogue with unions is part of the competitiveness of any company," Tavares said during a virtual media roundtable at the 2022 Detroit auto show.