There are ongoing negotiations and a strike at Lear Corporation involving allegations of health and safety issues, which has led to production halting at the Wentzville GM plant.
Typically, nearly 500 employees work in three shifts in a single day at the plant. Throughout the year, they have been working six days a week. On Tuesday, workers protested at their workplace, demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
Lear Corporation manufactures seats for vehicles produced at the GM plant, where employees also work six days a week. The strike has now disrupted production for 4500 employees at GM in Wentzville.
On Sunday night, a four-year contract between United Autoworkers Union Local 282 and Lear Corporation expired after failed negotiations over the course of a month. Employees are reporting back and elbow pain from their work and are advocating for higher wages and more health insurance options.
The local UAW president emphasized the importance of unity in effecting change. Lear Corporation responded to inquiries from FOX 2, stating in part:
“We have been negotiating with the UAW in good faith for some time… Lear Corporation is committed to supporting our employees… We are dedicated to reaching an agreement that will benefit all parties involved.”
The GM plant nearby is expected to remain inactive until the strike is resolved and production can resume. Workers anticipate that this situation could last for an extended period of time.
