UAW Local 2093 Authorizes Strike for Fair Contract at American Axle

UAW Local 2093 Votes to Authorize Strike at American Axle

Members of UAW Local 2093 have overwhelmingly voted, with 98% in favor, to authorize a strike against American Axle, also known as Dauch Corporation, if a fair contract is not reached. The current contract is set to expire on May 31st.

Steve Dawes, UAW Region 1D Director, emphasized the clarity of the message sent to American Axle: “The membership of UAW Local 2093 and Region 1D have sent a crystal clear message to American Axle: we need a fair contract now, or we’re ready to take the next step.” He added, “We’ve waited long enough for this company to do the right thing, and we’re ready to do what it takes to win a fair deal at American Axle.”

UAW Local 2093 member Jay Korf commented on the community's connection to the company, saying, “American Axle is a mainstay in this community, and we’re fighting to make it better by making our lives better.” Korf further stated, “We’re not asking to break the bank; we’re demanding our fair share after all our sacrifices and years spent building this company back up.”

In 2008, during the Great Recession, American Axle workers made significant sacrifices to prevent the facility from closing. Some long-time employees, who once earned up to $29 an hour, had their wages reduced to $14.50. Now, eighteen years later, wages have only climbed to a maximum of $22 an hour after a five-year progression, with inflation-adjusted wages still halved compared to pre-2008 levels.

Over the past decade, American Axle, as a Tier 1 parts supplier to General Motors, has accumulated $8.4 billion in profits. During this period, the company’s CEO has received $111 million, while the top five executives have earned nearly $231 million in compensation. Meanwhile, UAW members at the Three Rivers plant continue to face financial hardships, with some resorting to sleeping in their cars.