UAW Strikes at Dauch Corp., Key GM Supplier
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 47 minutes ago
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Source: seekingalpha
- Strike Context: Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) have gone on strike at Dauch Corp.'s facility in Three Rivers, Michigan, a key supplier for General Motors (GM) midsize and full-size pickup trucks, highlighting worker dissatisfaction with wage negotiations.
- Wage Issues: The UAW claims that wages have not recovered since 2008, with current maximum pay at $22 per hour after a five-year progression, indicating a significant loss in inflation-adjusted wages, which have been cut in half since pre-2008 levels.
- Market Reaction: Shares of both Dauch Corp. (DCH) and General Motors (GM) have declined ahead of Monday's market open, reflecting investor concerns over potential disruptions in the supply chain due to the strike.
- Historical Background: Dauch Corp., formerly known as American Axle, was part of GM until 1992 when it was acquired by Richard Dauch, and it continues to supply drivetrains for GM's best-selling models like the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado, making the strike potentially impactful on production and delivery schedules.
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Analyst Views on GM
Wall Street analysts forecast GM stock price to rise
19 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 83.240
Low
57.00
Averages
95.06
High
122.00
Current: 83.240
Low
57.00
Averages
95.06
High
122.00
About GM
General Motors Company designs, builds and sells trucks, crossovers, cars and automobile parts and provides software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The Company's segments include GMNA, GMI and GM Financial. Its GM North America (GMNA) and GM International (GMI) segment develop, manufacture and/or markets vehicles under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands. The Company's GM Financial segment provides automotive financing and related services. The Company is also focused on investing in electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (Avs), software-enabled services and subscriptions and new business opportunities. The Company's portfolio includes OnStar, GM Energy, GM Insurance, GM Genuine Parts, and the GM Company Store. Its OnStar portfolio offers safety, connectivity and hands-free driver assistance technologies. Its GM Energy provides Home EV Charging, Public EV Charging, Vehicle-To-Home and Energy Storage services.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Strike Context: Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) have gone on strike at Dauch Corp.'s facility in Three Rivers, Michigan, a key supplier for General Motors (GM) midsize and full-size pickup trucks, highlighting worker dissatisfaction with wage negotiations.
- Wage Issues: The UAW claims that wages have not recovered since 2008, with current maximum pay at $22 per hour after a five-year progression, indicating a significant loss in inflation-adjusted wages, which have been cut in half since pre-2008 levels.
- Market Reaction: Shares of both Dauch Corp. (DCH) and General Motors (GM) have declined ahead of Monday's market open, reflecting investor concerns over potential disruptions in the supply chain due to the strike.
- Historical Background: Dauch Corp., formerly known as American Axle, was part of GM until 1992 when it was acquired by Richard Dauch, and it continues to supply drivetrains for GM's best-selling models like the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado, making the strike potentially impactful on production and delivery schedules.
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- Strike Initiation: The United Auto Workers (UAW) has initiated an unfair labor practice strike at Dauch Corp.'s Michigan factory due to failed contract negotiations, with nearly 1,000 members set to walk out at midnight, highlighting worker dissatisfaction over wages and conditions.
- Wage Concerns: The union emphasized that despite Dauch Corp. generating $8.4 billion in profits over the last decade, workers' wages are capped at $22 per hour, and inflation has halved their real wages since pre-2008 levels, indicating a significant loss of economic ground.
- Employee Support: In early May, employees voted 98% in favor of authorizing a strike if necessary, demonstrating their strong demand for improved wages and working conditions, which escalates tensions with the company.
- Industry Impact: General Motors (GM) has stated it is closely monitoring the strike situation and its potential impacts, suggesting that this event could significantly disrupt the automotive supply chain and production, affecting overall market performance.
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- Strike Announcement: UAW President Shawn Fain declared a strike at the Dauch Corp factory in Three Rivers, Michigan, set to commence at midnight, which supplies axles for GM's profitable pickup trucks, highlighting the union's strong demand for improved worker conditions.
- Worker Conditions: The plant employs around 1,000 unionized workers, and the union noted that employees made sacrifices in 2008 to keep the facility operational, with current wages capped at $22 per hour, significantly lower than the $29 per hour in 2008, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with pay and benefits.
- Strike Authorization Vote: In early May, workers voted 98% in favor of authorizing a strike if necessary, demonstrating the union members' firm resolve to improve working conditions, with Fain stating that for 18 years, workers have built profits for the company while being treated unfairly.
- GM's Response: General Motors stated it is closely monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts, indicating the company's concern over the union's actions and the possible risks to production and supply chains.
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- Ford Revenue Growth: Ford reported $23.9 billion in Q1 revenue, a 14% increase year-over-year, driven by strong demand for models like the F-Series, Bronco, and Explorer, indicating its competitive edge and growth potential in the U.S. market.
- Software Subscription Increase: Ford Pro reached 879,000 paid software subscribers, up 30% year-over-year, achieving an 11.4% margin, demonstrating the company's successful transformation in software services and enhancing its long-term profitability.
- EV Investment: Ford is investing $1.5 billion in electric vehicles, despite Model e posting a $777 million loss in the quarter, with full-year losses projected between $4 billion and $4.5 billion, reflecting its commitment and challenges in the EV market.
- GM's Strong Performance: General Motors exceeded expectations with a 41.31% EPS beat in Q1, even as North American wholesale volumes fell to 793,000 units, but managed to increase its margin to 9.7%, showcasing effective strategies in cost control and profit management.
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- Technological Application Outlook: Founded in 2024, Foundation Future Industries focuses on developing dual-use humanoid robots for military and industrial applications, with plans to conduct frontline testing with the U.S. military within the next 18 months, showcasing the technology's potential in hazardous environments.
- Ukraine Testing Case: The company has sent two Phantom MK-1 robots to Ukraine for pilot testing, marking the first known deployment of humanoid robots in a combat theater, aimed at enhancing logistics efficiency and reducing soldiers' exposure to danger.
- Government Contract Support: Foundation has secured $24 million in government research contracts focusing on inspection, logistics, and weapons handling, indicating a close collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense that could facilitate the scaling of its technology.
- Clear Strategic Goals: CEO Sankaet Pathak stated that Foundation aims to scale production to thousands of units this year and is committed to developing the Phantom 2 robot with “superhuman abilities” to meet future military demands, further solidifying its market position.
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- Stock Pullback: General Motors shares fell 1.13% to $83.40 on Friday after a six-session winning streak, despite a 16% surge during that period, lagging behind the S&P 500's 2.86% gain.
- Weak EV Demand: Investor sentiment turned cautious as reports indicated that GM and partner LG Energy Solution delayed the return of laid-off workers at the Ohio Ultium battery plant until August, highlighting ongoing softness in electric vehicle demand.
- Increased Policy Pressure: The White House is considering stricter U.S. content requirements under the USMCA trade agreement, which may lead automakers to push back, arguing that higher domestic sourcing thresholds could result in production delays and increased vehicle prices, affecting market competitiveness.
- Analyst Optimism: Despite challenges, Seeking Alpha's Quant Ratings system remains bullish on GM, assigning a Strong Buy rating with a score of 4.84, indicating strong support for profitability and growth potential.
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