Detroit auto parts plant strike threat wins union

Detroit — Kace Logistics is one of many companies that function near or inside a major auto assembly plant. Workers at these logistics facilities “sequence” auto components in kits that facilitate an autoworker’s job mounting these parts to a vehicle. Generally, their wages are nowhere near what a UAW worker at Chrysler, Ford or General Motors makes. Working conditions are often terrible.

Kace is just around the corner from Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit, which builds the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. Workers began organizing with the United Auto Workers last August, but management refused to recognize the union and fired five union supporters.

A strike deadline was set for 6 a.m. on May 8. This was to be an unfair labor practice strike and charges had been filed with the National Labor Relations Board. Word went out to UAW members to show up for a 5 a.m. rally and some 200 showed up.

Before the strike could begin, the company caved. Workers at Kace Logistics now have a union.