The walkout began June 1 at the Three Rivers facility, which produces axles for GM’s heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, as well as midsize trucks and light-duty versions. Analysts said GM had kept pickup production on schedule since the strike began but would need a fresh supply of axles soon.
“After 18 years of sacrifice, these workers are finally winning back a big chunk of what was taken from them,” United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said.
Workers at the plant took a 50% wage reduction in 2008 to keep the facility open during the economic recession. Before the cut, the top wage was about $29 per hour. The plant’s current top rate for regular production workers is about $22 per hour, according to the union.
Dauch Corp., formerly known as American Axle, did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the UAW also did not immediately respond.
The tentative deal, if ratified, would return workers to the factory and avoid a broader impact on GM’s highly profitable pickup line. The plant also supplies axles for the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize trucks and components for light-duty versions of the Silverado and Sierra.