The ongoing strike at the Clarios battery plant in Holland, Ohio, continues as workers reject a deal struck between the company and negotiators from the United Auto Workers union. The strike began on May 8th when roughly 550 employees represented by UAW Local 12 walked out over changes to overtime eligibility and production incentives. Despite a temporary restraining order placed on the workers by the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, the workers remain resolute in their demands.
The previous five-year contract between Clarios and its employees has expired, and workers are unwilling to sign onto something they see as a step backwards. Dave Green, the UAW’s Region 2B director, confirmed that a tentative agreement had been assembled over the weekend but failed to meet the approval of the workforce.
The new contract was virtually the same as the previously UAW-backed deal, which workers rejected by 98 percent on April 27th. The proposal was for a three-year contract and included the previous 3 percent annual wage increase as the first one. However, workers have claimed that this does not keep pace with elevated inflation rates and changes in piece rates issued by Clarios, which have resulted in as much as a $10 an hour pay cut for some workers.
The biggest issue for workers is the changes in scheduling. Whereas the old contract had workers becoming eligible for time-and-a-half pay for anything over eight hours a day, the current proposals have straight extended to twelve hours a day. Meanwhile, Clarios is reportedly trying to pivot to schedules where employees work staggered shifts that will keep them right at the threshold with twelve-hour days that yield no overtime.
The UAW managed to limit the scheme to employees hired into the expanding TBS department, which utilizes new machinery and is supposed to serve as the future direction of the firm’s battery production lines. However, workers seem to think it’s just a matter of time before they’re all on the new lines anyway.
Some workers also seem concerned at the precedent this contract would set for other automakers and suppliers. Contract negotiations are right around the corner for General Motors, Ford Motor Co., and Stellantis.
“I would say to our brothers and sisters at GM, Ford and Stellantis: Our fight is your fight. We all have to stand together. They are nothing without us. The whole industry rests on our shoulders, not theirs. If we stand together and say enough is enough to these guys, we can win what we need.”
The World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) has a political angle that often puts it at odds with establishment viewpoints. But it usually keeps close tabs on labor activities and claimed that the “UAW bureaucracy” had failed to support workers by agreeing to a pro-company contract. Based on claims from members, an estimated 75-80 percent of the plant’s workforce voted against it.
Individuals told WSWS that the new contract was virtually the same as the previously UAW-backed deal, which workers rejected by 98 percent on April 27th. The proposal was for a three-year contract and included the previous 3 percent annual wage increase as the first one. However, workers have claimed that this does not keep pace with elevated inflation rates and changes in piece rates issued by Clarios, which have resulted in as much as a $10 an hour pay cut for some workers.
“The union officials backed this contract, especially the big wig from UAW Region 2-B who tried to make this seem like a good deal. They need to get out of the way and let the rank and file decide,” said another union member from the plant. “The 2-2-3 [scheduling scheme] will affect the new hires and all the workers on the lines the company is expanding. By 2025, the whole plant could be under the TBS department. They must really think we are stupid to bring back this contract. The union tops are working against the workers. But we can see what’s coming.”
Despite the ongoing strike, Clarios is committed to continuing to operate the facility to support its customers and is evaluating next steps. However, with workers remaining resolute in their demands, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.
