The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has taken legal action against Stellantis, filing federal unfair labor practice charges on Monday. The charges accuse the automaker of violating contract terms and attempting to relocate the production of the Dodge Durango outside of the United States.

This is the latest development in an ongoing dispute between the UAW and Stellantis. The union has expressed dissatisfaction with the automaker's production cuts, layoffs, and other actions that have drawn criticism from UAW leaders since the parties reached a new contract last year.

According to UAW President Shawn Fain, the union's contract with Stellantis includes significant gains, such as a commitment to reopen an idled assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, and produce the Dodge Durango in Detroit. Fain emphasizes that the UAW intends to enforce the contract and hold Stellantis accountable for honoring their commitments.

Stellantis, which previously delayed plans for the Illinois plant, has not commented on the charges filed by the UAW. The company, however, has previously argued that it has not violated the commitments made in the Investment Letter included in the 2023 UAW Collective Bargaining Agreement and strongly denies the union's accusations.

In addition to the federal charges, several UAW local chapters representing a significant number of members have also filed contract grievances against Stellantis. They allege that the company is attempting to move the production of the Dodge Durango out of the country, which they claim violates the terms of the UAW's national agreement. The UAW has not disclosed when this attempted move occurred or where Stellantis intended to relocate Durango production. Reports suggest that the company may have considered moving the production to a plant in Ontario, Canada, as cited by a UAW spokesperson.

The National Labor Relations Board has confirmed the filing made by the UAW. The union currently has multiple ongoing charges against various automakers across the United States. In the case of Stellantis, there are over 24 open grievances regarding the company's product and investment plans outlined in the UAW's contract.

The outcome of these charges and grievances remains to be seen. Both the UAW and Stellantis will likely work towards resolving their differences, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the interests of the workers and honoring the provisions of their contract.