After UAW Tariff Push, Detroit Diesel to Add Third Shift, Hire More, and Recall Laid Off Workers

Detroit Diesel, a manufacturer of diesel engines and axles in Detroit, has announced the addition of a third shift, the recall of laid-off workers, and the hiring of dozens more, in response to strategic tariff pressures.

In October, after months of lobbying, the federal government imposed a 25 percent tariff on heavy truck imports to prevent further offshoring and drive investment in the US heavy truck industry. The move is the latest win for UAW members in the union’s fight for reshoring and reinvesting in good union jobs.

“Strategic, targeted tariffs are an important tool in the toolbox to undo the damage of our free trade disaster and bring back good union jobs to the U.S.,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Companies like Detroit Diesel, and their parent company Daimler Truck North America, need to step up to reinvest in the workers who make the product and stop laying off American workers while making billions in profit. We applaud this first step in the right direction.”

“Detroit Diesel UAW members build a high-quality product that makes this company billions, and it’s only right that this company would invest right here in Michigan and recognize that success,” said UAW Region 1A Director Mark DePaoli. “We congratulate our members who are coming off of layoff and all those who will join our union with the creation of these new jobs.”

In 2025, workers from the Detroit Diesel Axle unit voted by 99 percent to ratify a new contract that won profit-sharing and cost-of-living adjustments for the first time after authorizing a strike.