Category Archives: labor issues

Webasto Detroit – Another UAW Supply Chain Win

Posted on 1 April 2026 by Ken Zino

The unionization at Webasto Detroit is “part of a growing movement of auto supply workers who want the benefits and protections of forming a union at their plants. Workers in the supply chain are a vital part of the auto industry but are paid well below their counterparts at assembly plants. They often face dangerous working conditions, including exposure to hazardous chemicals without proper precautions,” the UAW said. Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars to Combine Polestar 3 Production in U.S.

Posted on 31 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“The move to consolidate global Polestar 3 production in Charleston help generate efficiencies for both companies, whilst also underscoring our confidence in the plant and the role it plays in our manufacturing footprint,’ said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive of Volvo Cars. ‘The US is a very important market for Volvo Cars, both to support our growth ambitions as well as a strategic production site to meet regional and export demands.”** Continue reading →

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Chinese Owned Volvo Cars to Import Lynk & Co Cars in Europe

Posted on 30 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“With this new arrangement, we will leverage our commercial system to support Lynk & Co’s growth ambitions in Europe,” said Erik Severinson, chief commercial officer at Volvo Cars. “At the same time, it enables Volvo Cars and our retail partners to address a wider customer base. With the support of our retailers and our commercial organization, Lynk & Co can achieve its true potential in Europe.” Continue reading →

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American Axle – UAW Demands Released Before Contract End

Posted on 13 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“As a Tier 1 parts supplier to General Motors, American Axle has generated $2.9 billion in profits since 2022. Over that time, the company’s CEO has been paid $47.9 million, with the top five executives receiving nearly $100 million in compensation. Meanwhile, UAW members working at the Three Rivers plant struggle to afford basic needs, with some even forced to sleep in their cars, the UAW said. Continue reading →

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J.D. Power – Dealer Service Satisfaction High, But…

Posted on 13 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“While it’s no surprise that customers gravitate to operations that serve them well, the study clearly shows that good service leads to loyal customers,” said John Tenerovich, director of automotive retail at J.D. Power. “This phenomenon proves true across all service types – oil changes, repair, tires and brakes. While complimentary maintenance programs drive strong retention, the level of intent to return for actual customer-paid service depends on the service experience delivered by the dealer.” Continue reading →

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Legal Tariffs – Detroit Diesel to Add Third Shift, Recall Laid Off Workers

Posted on 12 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Strategic, targeted tariffs are an important tool in the toolbox to undo the damage of our free trade disaster and bring back good union jobs to the U.S.,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Companies like Detroit Diesel, and their parent company Daimler Truck North America, need to step up to reinvest in the workers who make the product and stop laying off American workers while making billions in profit. We applaud this first step in the right direction.” Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars to Increase EX60 SUV Production to Meet Demand

Posted on 4 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“That so many customers ordered the EX60 in the first month has surpassed our expectations, and it’s a good ‘problem’ to have,” said Erik Severinson, chief commercial officer at Volvo Cars. “We are very encouraged to see such strong demand for our game-changing electric SUV, and we are now reviewing our production plans for 2026, as we gear up for the start of customer car production next month. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariff Flops – December Goods Trade Deficit Up $15.7B

Posted on 20 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“The U.S. trade deficit for goods hit a record in 2025 despite Trump’s claim his signature tariffs would reduce it, new data shows. Trump declared the country’s goods trade deficit a national emergency last year and pledged to shrink it as part of efforts to revive U.S. manufacturing. Yesterday’s numbers add to previous data suggesting U.S. companies have generally not brought production back home—all while Trump’s tariff policy is being challenged in a Supreme Court case,” The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said. [The U.S. Supreme Court today in a 6-3 ruling said tariffs that Trump imposed under an emergency powers law were unconstitutional. This also covers so-called “reciprocal” tariffs that he levied. – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Tennessee Triumph – VW Workers Ratify UAW Contract!

Posted on 20 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen workers have voted by a 96% margin to ratify their first union contract. The UAW contract – the first at major Southern auto plant comes with 20 % wage increases, healthcare cost reductions, job security guarantees, an enforceable grievance procedure, among other things, that make the UAW a formidable rival for wealthy global corporations. The final tally was announced last night.

“Volkswagen workers have moved yet another mountain,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “From having the courage to stand up and form their union, to having the backbone to authorize a strike and hold out for a contract that honors their worth, VW workers are leading the way for the entire labor movement and non-union autoworkers everywhere. Welcome to the UAW family.” Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Posts 2025 Loss of $8.2B on Record Revenue

Posted on 10 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) today announced its disappointing Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results. Q4 and full-year revenue reached $45.9 billion and $187.3 billion, respectively. This was the  fifth consecutive year of full-year revenue growth. However, Q4  and full-year net losses of $11.1 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively, reflected impact of special items, some of them such as Trump tariff chaos and a shortage of aluminum because of a supplier fire were largely out of Ford management’s control.

“Ford delivered a strong 2025 in a dynamic and often volatile environment,” claimed Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We improved our core business and execution, made significant progress in the areas of the business we control – lowering material and warranty costs and making real progress on quality – and made difficult but critical strategic decisions that set us up for a stronger future. Moving forward, we’ll continue building on our strong foundation to achieve our target of 8% adjusted EBIT margin by 2029.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis €22.2B Charges. Dividend Cancelled. Stock Tanks

Posted on 9 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) on Friday announced a vast overhaul of  its business and as it prepares for the communication of its new strategic plan in May of this year. In a release it claimed that “it has conducted a thorough assessment of its strategy and related costs required to align the Company with the real-world preferences of its customers.”[Translation – STLA is hemorrhaging cash and will take charges and add debt while it tries to return to profitability. The capital markets did not take a wait and see view. STLA dropped ~24% by the time the markets closed – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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UAW Southern Advance – Tentative VW Chattanooga Contract

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“For years, Chattanooga workers were told to settle for less while Volkswagen made record profits. So, the workers stood together and won their union—and now they’ve secured a life-changing first agreement,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “This deal proves what happens when autoworkers stand up and demand their fair share. People said Southern autoworkers could never form a union or win a union contract. Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga said, ‘Watch this.’” Continue reading →

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U.S. Jobs – Trump Slump Continues

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino

During the week ending 31 January 2026, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 231,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 209,000. The 4-week moving average was 212,250, an increase of 6000 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 206,250, according to the latest statistics published by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today. Total insured unemployment at 2,153,637 increased from 2,136,751 one year ago. Moreover, a key measure – vacancies, aka open or available jobs – dropped to 6.5 million in December, down from 6.9 million in November and the lowest since September 2020. Continue reading →

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GM to Layoff 500 Employees at Oshawa Assembly

Posted on 29 January 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE:GM) conformed today that Oshawa Assembly will return to two shifts of production beginning 2 February. However approximately 500 employees will be placed on layoff.

“Preparations continue at Oshawa Assembly to build the next generation of gas-powered full-size pickups, supported by a $280 million investment that reinforces Oshawa’s future in GM’s key full-size truck program,” GM said in a release. Continue reading →

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GM Spending $30M at Fairfax to Flex EV and ICE Making

Posted on 29 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“For us, this work is more than building vehicles – it’s building a legacy. General Motors has been a place where families grow their careers across generations, including my own,” Fairfax Plant Director Michael Youngs said. “The investment in people isn’t just about preparing for the production of new vehicles; it’s about giving our people the opportunity to build a future their families can be proud of.” Continue reading →

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