On March 29, 2026, members of the United Auto Workers union rally to demand better wages as contract negotiations begin with Douch Co. in Three Rivers, Michigan.
Jim West | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
DETROIT — Nearly 1,000 workers work at supplier factories in Michigan that make parts. general motors Pickup trucks went on strike on Monday after failing to reach a new contract with the company.
The United Auto Workers union said Monday that workers at an axle and parts plant in Three Rivers, Michigan, dauch corporation The company, formerly known as American Axle and Manufacturing, exited the factory and entered the picket line at 12:01 a.m. ET Monday.
The union did not release a full list of demands, but said in a press release Sunday night that workers are still trying to recoup wages lost during the Great Recession.
“Until this company comes to its senses, we will continue to strike,” UAW Chairman Sean Fein said in a video release Sunday. “The full force of the UAW International Union supports these workers. So, American Axel, your time is up. No contract, no axle.”
Longtime workers who earned $29 an hour had their wages cut to $14.50 in 2008, the union said. The current wage has reached $22 an hour after five years of progress.
A spokesperson for Dauk said in an emailed statement that the strike was “unfortunate.” He did not immediately respond to questions about the details of the negotiations.
Three Rivers, Michigan, USA, March 29, 2026: Members of the United Auto Workers union rally to demand better wages as contract negotiations begin with American Axle (also known as Douch Corporation).
Jim West | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
“We believe that the best outcome for everyone at the bargaining table is achieved for our employees, unions, and company. We remain committed to negotiating in good faith with unions and hope to reach a fair agreement quickly,” the company’s statement said.
John Kraus, who worked for American Axle for 32 years and is a member of the UAW Local 2093 Bargaining Committee, which represents the striking workers, told CNBC that in addition to higher wages, workers are also negotiating for improvements in medical benefits, retirement benefits and other labor-related issues.
“We want companies to step up and provide our members with a livable wage, what they earn and what they deserve,” Krause said. “This local guy kept our company above water when it was sinking 18 years ago, and now it’s time to return the favor.”
Kraus said the union believes GM appears to have about two weeks’ worth of axles in stock.
A GM spokesperson said the company is “closely monitoring the situation” and “evaluating the potential impact.” As of Monday, production at GM’s plants was operating normally.
The affected plants produce axles for GM’s medium-duty pickup trucks, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, and the heavy-duty pickup trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Other production includes small parts for the Detroit automaker’s Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks and parts for Stellantis’ Chrysler Pacifica minivan, a union spokeswoman confirmed.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and do not anticipate any impact to production at this time,” a Stellantis spokesperson said in a statement.
