UAW Local 163 members at Detroit Axle ratified their new five-year agreement with 87% of the membership voting in favor of ratification on Friday evening. This new agreement secures the assignment of the Axle to the UAW Detroit Axle Bargaining Unit if Daimler brings the work to the Detroit Campus. The Axle is a critical component in Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) electric trucks.
“This agreement recognizes the invaluable contribution our UAW members make, every day, to this company,” said UAW Secretary-Treasurer Ray Curry. “With this strong agreement in place, we now look to a bright future.”
This agreement reduces the time that current members are able to reach max rate by four years. Each member will receive at minimum a $2 wage increase in January and a ratification bonus totaling $4,000, which will be paid in two installments: $3,000 paid in December and $1,000 paid in January. The agreement also provides members with Personal Time Off and a Company Match on 401k contributions starting in 2022.
Chuck Browning, UAW director of Region 1A, emphasized the significance of today’s vote. “This is clear recognition of what we’ve built here in Detroit over generations and the future of this American manufacturer in tomorrow’s economy. Our members have been the backbone of this company’s success.”
Local 163 President Ralph Morris Jr. added. “This agreement continues and solidifies the over 80-year standing tradition of building one of the world’s most recognized Powertrain brands in Detroit at the Detroit Campus and enables the plant to transition to future electric components. The accomplishments made during these set of negotiations are a testament to the commitment that the membership makes every day to produce axles, transmissions, and gear sets with world class quality.”
Local 163 Shop Chairman Justin Thompson added, “We have a strong hardworking membership, that deserves good wages and benefits. I think we achieved that in this agreement.”
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