Nexteer Workers to Hold Strike Authorization Vote After Rejecting Second Contract Proposal
UAW Local 699 members in Saginaw County could soon decide whether to authorize a strike at Nexteer Automotive.
BUENA VISTA, TWP, Mich - Workers at Nexteer Automotive in Buena Vista Township are preparing for a strike authorization vote later this week after rejecting a second tentative contract agreement with the company.
According to a notice distributed by UAW Local 699, voting on a strike authorization will begin Wednesday, May 20, at 4 a.m. and continue through Thursday, May 21, at 8 a.m. at the union hall located at 1911 Bagley Street in Saginaw. The notice states that a picture ID is required to vote.
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The vote does not automatically mean workers will go on strike. Instead, it would authorize union leadership to call a strike if negotiations fail to produce a new agreement.
In a statement provided to me, Nexteer confirmed the upcoming vote and said negotiations are continuing.
“Following last week’s vote of the second tentative agreement, which was not adopted, UAW Local 699 leadership has informed us that they will hold a strike authorization vote later this week,” the company said.
“This step allows members to vote to authorize leadership to call for a strike if necessary; no strike action has been announced. We remain operating under an extension of the current contract. We have made progress from the first to second tentative agreements and remain committed to continuing to work with Local 699 on reaching an agreement that builds a strong, sustainable future for our Saginaw employees and Nexteer.”
Tensions have been growing for weeks after workers overwhelmingly voted down two separate tentative agreements.
According to information provided to me, workers rejected the first tentative agreement on March 31 by 96.2 percent. After union leadership extended the previous contract and returned to negotiations, a second proposal was rejected in mid May by roughly 73 percent.
Some workers pushing for tougher action say they are frustrated with issues involving pay, scheduling, and working conditions.
The push for a possible strike is reportedly being led by the Nexteer Workers Rank and File Committee. Workers involved in the effort are demanding an end to the tiered wage system, significant wage increases, cost of living adjustments, and limits on mandatory overtime and what they describe as scheduling abuse.
A strike at the Saginaw area facility could have a major impact on the auto industry because Nexteer supplies steering and driveline components used by major automakers including General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.
Industry observers note that modern auto manufacturing depends heavily on “just in time” delivery systems, meaning even a short disruption at a major supplier can quickly impact production lines at assembly plants across the country.
As of now, no strike date has been announced, and negotiations between Nexteer and UAW Local 699 are expected to continue.