United Auto Workers union members rally for better wages as contract talks begin with Dauch Corp. in Three Rivers, Michigan on March 29, 2026.
Jim West | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
DETROIT — Nearly 1,000 workers at a plant for a Michigan supplier that makes parts for General engines The van workers went on strike Monday after failing to reach a new contract with the company.
The United Auto Workers union confirmed Monday that workers were at an axle and components plant in Three Rivers, Michigan, for Dauch Corp. — formerly known as American Axle and Manufacturing — left the factory and took to the picket lines at 12:01 a.m. ET Monday.
The union has not released a full list of demands, but said in a news release Sunday evening that workers are still trying to recoup wages lost during the Great Recession.
“We will remain on strike until this company comes to its senses,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a video announcement Sunday. “The full force of the international UAW union will stand with these workers. So, American Axle, time is up. No contract, no axles.”
The union said longtime workers who earned as much as $29 an hour had their wages cut to $14.50 in 2008. Current wages top out at $22 an hour after a five-year escalation, the union said.
A Dauch spokesperson, in an emailed statement, called the strike “disappointing.” He did not immediately respond to a question about the details of the negotiations.
Three Rivers, Michigan, USA, March 29, 2026, United Auto Workers union members rally for better wages as contract negotiations begin with American Axle (aka Dauch Corp.).
Jim West | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
“The company believes that the best results for everyone – our associates, the union and the company – are achieved at the bargaining table. We remain committed to bargaining in good faith with the union and hope to quickly reach a fair agreement,” the company’s statement read.
A GM spokesperson said the automaker is “closely monitoring the situation” and “evaluating any potential impacts.” On Monday, production at GM factories was operating normally.
The affected plant produces axles for GM’s Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickup trucks as well as its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickup trucks. Other production includes smaller components for the Detroit automaker’s Silverado and Sierra light-duty pickup trucks, as well as parts for Stellantis’ Chrysler Pacifica minivan, a union spokesperson confirmed.
Stellantis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Josh Jager, a 24-year American Axle employee and chairman of the bargaining committee for UAW Local 2093, which represents the striking workers, told the Wall Street Journal that GM appears to have about two weeks’ worth of axles in stock.