Stellantis workers in Indiana went on strike Saturday over health and safety concerns.
The 1,200-worker casting factory produces aluminum parts for components such as engine blocks and transmissions.
Members of the United Auto Workers union demanded that the company replace its heating and air conditioning systems, provide clean uniforms, and repair equipment. President Cindy Estrada said Stellantis claims to have inadequate funds to meet workers’ basic needs but is turning record profits and spending billions of dollars in a new battery plant.
Stellantis said it’s committed to providing a safe workplace for employees and that it presented an offer to the union after two days of bargaining talks, but the union decided to walk out.
The company announced plans in the spring to build an electric battery plant in a $2.5 billion joint venture with Samsung to employ 1,400 workers.
Stellantis was formed last year by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot of France.
