The United Auto Workers union wants workers at Honda Motor Co.’s Ohio operations to join its ranks.
The UAW this week announced a national campaign to organize workers at the country’s auto plants that do not have representation.
That’s essentially all foreign-based manufacturers, including Honda’s multi-state production presence and Toyota, which counts a Georgetown, Kentucky plant among its assembly operations, as well as electric vehicle specialists Tesla and Rivian.
The UAW has yet to respond to requests about the organization efforts related to Honda and Ohio.
The nationwide organization push comes after the union negotiated new contracts with the three major domestic producers — Ford, General Motors and Stellantis — with benefits including a 25% increase in base pay and a 33% increase in the top wage.
Honda (NYSE: HMC) bases much of its North American production leadership in Marysville, in addition to running two auto plants, an engine plant and a transmission plant in the state, among other facilities. It employs an estimated 15,000 in Ohio.
“Over the past 40 years, no automaker has been more successful in growing its U.S. production operations than Honda, something we have done based on our approach of teamwork, respect and open communication, in addition to maintaining competitive wages and benefits,” Honda said in a statement. “We do not believe an outside party would enhance the excellent employment experience of our associates, nor would it improve upon the outstanding track record of success and employment stability Honda manufacturing associates in America have achieved.”
Honda, in the wake of the UAW deals with the domestic manufacturers, announced an 11% pay increase for production associates in the U.S. that will begin in January. The company also condensed its wage progression program to three years from six, increasing the rate that production associates receive pay increases.
The company said it has added 10 new benefits and programs since 2021 including childcare reimbursement, student loan repayment, lifestyle account, and expanded our associate assistance program.
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