UAW Local 699 Members at Nexteer Vote 86% to Authorize Strike

Vote follows failed contract talks in Saginaw.

Members of UAW Local 699 at Nexteer Automotive have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, escalating an ongoing contract dispute between the union and the automotive supplier.

According to a union announcement Wednesday, workers voted 86% in favor of authorizing a strike if union leadership decides to call one. No strike has officially been announced at this time.

The vote comes after union members rejected two tentative contract agreements in recent weeks. Workers previously voted down an initial agreement in late March by roughly 96%, followed by a second proposal earlier this month by about 73%.

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Key issues raised by workers include calls to eliminate the tiered wage system, secure larger wage increases, restore cost of living adjustments, and address concerns over mandatory overtime and scheduling practices.

Earlier this week, Nexteer said operations were continuing under an extension of the current contract while negotiations remained ongoing.

“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 previously said in a statement. “We 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.”

Nexteer Automotive is one of Saginaw County’s largest employers and manufactures steering and driveline systems for the auto industry.