Three Rivers – Dauch union workers are on strike

Nearly 1,000 union workers at Dauch Corporation in Three Rivers walked off the job at midnight Monday after contract negotiations failed to produce a new labor agreement.

According to WWMT, members of United Auto Workers Local 2093 began the strike following months of negotiations with the company, formerly known as American Axle.

Union leaders say workers have not received what they consider fair compensation since concessions were made during the Great Recession. UAW Bargaining Chairman Josh Jager says wages were reduced years ago and have never fully recovered. The union is seeking an increase in top hourly pay from about 22 dollars to 30 dollars per hour, along with improvements in benefits.

The strike affects approximately 975 hourly employees at Dauch’s Three Rivers facility, which supplies axles and other components to General Motors assembly plants across the country.

Union officials say the company’s growth and expansion in recent years should be reflected in employee compensation. They also allege company management attempted to intimidate workers during the labor dispute.

WWMT reports the company did not provide comment before the strike began.

Union members overwhelmingly approved strike authorization in May and say they are prepared for a lengthy work stoppage if necessary.