Bargaining Update 08/21/2025

FED UP? STAND UP!

Brothers and Sisters, 

Your Bargaining Committee met with the Company yesterday. During this session, we presented new language to strengthen skilled trades seniority protections because protecting experience, skills, and fairness on the shop floor is non-negotiable. The company had a few questions for us regarding our last meeting about the trades, but once again, they had no proposals of their own to move us forward.

When we raised concerns over job-specific duties within production and non-production classifications, discussions became tense. At that point, the talks were cut short at the request of our International Representative.

Then, the company went a step further and accused your Bargaining Committee of negotiating in bad faith. Let’s be crystal clear, that is the farthest thing from the truth. This committee is fighting with everything we’ve got to secure a fair agreement for every single member.

This is OUR contract. OUR labor. OUR working conditions. We will not allow the company to treat them like bargaining chips.

And let’s remember, we aren’t the ones who lost $8.6 billion worth of work. The company was warned: keep missing targets, keep blowing deadlines, and the government would pull JLTV funding. And what happened? Exactly that. And now, once again, management wants to make US pay the price—the very workers whose skill and sacrifice build the vehicles that protect our nation’s service members.

But here’s the truth: we make this company run. Our skill, our sweat, and our dedication are what deliver results. What we’re demanding is simple: respect for our work, strong and enforceable contract language, and an end to the toxic culture of “do more for less” and “manage by stress.”

We are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. We are skilled tradespeople, production workers, and proud Union members.WE are the UAW. And when we stand together, we set the standard that others strive to follow.

We will not settle for anything less than the dignity and respect we have earned. This fight is bigger than a contract; it is about the future of our workplace, our families, and our community.

While no progress was made during this session, your Bargaining Committee remains firm, focused, and united in advancing proposals that protect and improve conditions for all members. We know it can be frustrating, but make no mistake, every step we take at the table is about moving us closer to the contract we deserve.

We will continue to keep you updated after each session. Thank you for your continued patience, your support, and above all, your solidarity.

Together, we will win a fair and just contract.

In solidarity,

Your UAW Local 5 Bargaining Committee