UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle, also known as Dauch Corporation, announced on May 1 that they will hold a strike authorization vote beginning May 11. The results are set to be counted on May 12, and workers could begin a walkout at the Three Rivers plant starting May 31 when the current contract expires.
The announcement comes as union members mark May Day and reflects ongoing concerns among workers about wages and benefits. UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes said, “UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle have been loyal to their company for decades and during these negotiations we are here for our fair share. This company is making billions every year – these workers are ready to do whatever it takes to win a record contract that’s long past due.”
The decision by Local 2093 follows the UAW’s high-profile strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis in 2023. Workers say they hope to address nearly two decades of lost wages and benefits through upcoming negotiations. In March, union members released a video outlining their demands: no concessions, improved wages and profit sharing, better health care options, stronger retirement plans, and greater job security.
Jay Korf, a member of UAW Local 2093 at American Axle said, “American Axle is a mainstay in this community, and we’re fighting to make it better by making our lives better. 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.”
Workers took significant pay cuts in an effort to keep the facility open during the Great Recession in 2008. Many saw hourly wages drop from $29 an hour down to $14.50; today—eighteen years later—wages top out at $22 an hour after five years on the job. Adjusted for inflation, current pay remains well below pre-2008 levels.
During the last decade as a Tier One supplier for General Motors, American Axle has reported $8.4 billion in profits while its CEO has received $111 million over that period; total compensation for its top five executives reached nearly $231 million even as some plant workers struggle with basic living expenses.
