UAW President Shawn Fain Rallies for Record Contract at American Axle

In Three Rivers, a rally spearheaded by UAW President Shawn Fain will inaugurate the campaign for a historic contract at American Axle & Manufacturing (commonly known as Dauch Corporation). This follows the commencement of official negotiations with the major corporation on March 23, and the current contract is set to expire on May 31.

Rally Details

WHO: Members of UAW Local 2093 at American Axle, UAW President Shawn Fain, UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes, Assistant Director Scott Zuckschwerdt, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, along with other political, labor, and community leaders

WHAT: A solidarity rally to mark the beginning of contract discussions

WHERE: Three Rivers High School, Performing Arts Center, 700 6th Ave, Three Rivers, MI 49093

WHEN: Sunday, March 29 at 1:00 P.M.

The rally is inspired by the achievements of the 2023 UAW Stand Up Strike against Ford, GM, and Stellantis, as American Axle employees strive to recover from nearly twenty years of wage and benefit reductions. In a video released earlier this month, UAW Local 2093 outlined their demands: no concessions, equitable wages and profit sharing, improved healthcare, enhanced retirement plans, and job security.

During the 2008 financial crisis, American Axle's workforce made significant concessions to prevent the plant's closure. Workers who once earned up to $29 per hour in 2008 experienced wage cuts down to $14.50. Nearly two decades later, wages have only reached a maximum of $22 per hour after a five-year progression period, with inflation-adjusted wages remaining significantly lower than pre-2008 levels.

Contrastingly, since 2022, American Axle, a key supplier for General Motors, has accrued $2.9 billion in profits. The CEO's compensation over this period has amounted to $47.9 million, and the top five executives have collectively earned nearly $100 million. Meanwhile, UAW members at the Three Rivers plant face hardships, with some workers unable to afford basic necessities, leading them to sleep in their vehicles.