The United Auto Workers and Stellantis have reached a resolution to grievances filed against the company concerning promises made in their 2023 contract. Of note for workers in Kokomo is the commitment to entrusting them with production of the GME-T4 EVO engine for hybrid electric vehicles.

This agreement marks a reversal by the company, which had previously planned on moving this engine production out of the country. While successfully enforcing the contract, UAW International President Shawn Fain acknowledged there has been an attitude shift at Stellantis since Antonio Filosa was named chief operations officer for North America following the resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares in late 2024.

"This is a leadership that is ready to recommit to investing in our membership, our communities, and in this company," said Fain.

In addition to the commitment for Kokomo, the union secured manufacturing of the new Dodge Durango at the Detroit Assembly Complex. The company also reaffirmed its intent to resume manufacturing in Belvidere, Ill., in 2027.

"This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable," said Fain. "We've shown that we will do what it takes to protect the good union jobs that are the lifeblood of places like Belvidere, Detroit, Kokomo, and beyond.

"Throughout this process we've all learned an important lesson. It takes a fight to keep jobs here in this country. We've shown the company and the nation that we are ready for that fight."