UAW Wins Dodge Neon Assembly Plant Representation in Michigan

After pushing hard for representation, the United Auto Workers announced the workers at the DaimlerChrysler Dundee, MI assembly plant, where the Dodge Neon is assembled, have organized under the UAW.

The $700 million plant, which makes 4-cylinder engines for the Dodge Neon, is expected to have around 500 employees in 2005. The plant eventually will manufacture engines for 12 Chrysler models, including replacements for the Dodge Neon and Chrysler Sebring beginning next year. Joint venture plants will supply engines for Mitsubishi later.

The UAW expects that DaimlerChrysler-Dodge management will ask the UAW to allow the Michigan plant to outsource traditional union jobs such as janitorial services, during contract negotiations in 2005.