--- title: "1,000+ Workers Go on Strike at Stellantis Parts Plant Over Factory Conditions, EV Investments" description: "More than 1,000 workers walked out of the Stellantis casting plant in Kokomo, Indiana and are striking over unsafe working conditions." date: "2022-09-11" modified: "2022-09-11" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/1000-workers-go-on-strike-at-stellantis-parts-plant-over-factory-conditions-ev-investments" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Manufacturing" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Stellantis News" --- # 1,000+ Workers Go on Strike at Stellantis Parts Plant Over Factory Conditions, EV Investments ![]() Stellantis' casting plant in Kokomo, Indiana saw more than 1,000 workers walk out on Saturday over unsafe working conditions. According to a [statement from the UAW Local 1166,]() Stellantis hasn't responded to demands to "repair, replace and maintain the HVAC systems (something the company promised to do years ago), address other health and safety issues, provide clean uniforms like it does for workers at other plants, and fix some work rules." According to Stellantis, the Kokomo castings plant is the world's largest die-cast facility and makes aluminum engine and transmission parts for multiple vehicles. Without the manufacturing of those parts, Stellantis could feel pressure quite quickly, so you can expect representatives from both sides back at the table to negotiate soon. The UAW Local 1166 is especially frustrated because Stellantis is citing costs as its reasoning for not meeting the UAW's demands. "Stellantis claims it has no money to meet the basic needs of UAW Local 1166 members while, at the same time, it is making record profits and investing billions in a new battery plant across the street,” said UAW Vice President and Director of the Stellantis Department Cindy Estrada. ![]() The [battery]() plant Estrada was talking about was announced back in July. [Stellantis and Samsung]() both announced plans to invest $2.5 billion in a in battery plant in Kokomo, near the castings plant. In August, Stellantis also reportedly invested $99 million in three plants, including the Kokomo plant, to build hybrid powertrain components. “After bargaining in good faith for two days and presenting an offer we believed addressed the union’s concerns, we are disappointed by the UAW’s decision to walk out,” Stellantis said in a statement, according to *[Automotive News]()*. “We will look to get back to the table as soon as possible to resume negotiations to reach an agreement on a local contract.” It's hard to argue with employees wanting things like functioning HVAC and clean working environments. Hopefully the two sides can come to an agreement, so more than 1,000 employees can return to work in a safe, hospitable workplace. ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()