UAW Local 400 secures new contract with $35 hourly rate by 2030

Approximately 1,000 members of the UAW Local 400 have successfully ratified a new contract, with 80% voting in favor. These workers, responsible for manufacturing seats for prominent vehicles like the Ford F-150 and Stellantis Dodge RAM trucks at Bridgewater Interiors, will see their wages rise to a top rate of $35 per hour by 2030, along with other significant benefits at their Warren, MI plant.

UAW President Shawn Fain commented on this development, stating, “UAW Local 400 members at Bridgewater Interiors are another example of workers in the IPS sector who are ready to stand up and win their fair share.” He challenged the current treatment of IPS workers, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment, “They don’t treat IPS CEOs like second-class citizens. So why do they treat IPS workers that way?”

Before this agreement, most employees at the plant earned under $21 per hour, with many capped below $26 per hour. The newly approved contract promises to elevate the top rate by nearly $10 per hour by May 2029, marking a 36% increase within three years. The deal also places a limit on health care cost hikes throughout its duration, provides additional time off, and includes a $2,000 ratification bonus for the workers.

According to UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English, “UAW Local 400 members stood united. They told the company ‘$35 by 2030’ – and because they made their voices heard, they walk away with a contract that delivers on their demand.”

This successful agreement followed the rejection of an earlier proposal by 95% of the union members, who had also signaled readiness to strike unless their demands were addressed. This scenario showcases a broader movement among IPS workers, who are striving to reclaim losses in wages and benefits, despite contributing significantly to an industry that fuels major automakers. Just a month prior, UAW members at American Axle in Three Rivers, MI also ratified a contract following a ten-day strike.

UAW Local 400 President Mark Hemphill remarked on the situation, “After voting down an initial deal by 95% and voting to authorize a strike, UAW Local 400 members sent a clear message to Bridgewater management: no contract, no seats. And no seats mean no trucks for Ford and Stellantis – that’s power and leverage, and we put it to work.”