UAW Workers Rally with Union President for Fair Contract with AAM

Hundreds of UAW Local 2093 members demand better wages, benefits, and job security from American Axle in Three Rivers, Michigan.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An isometric 3D digital illustration depicting a miniature factory scene with workers holding signs and rallying, representing the labor dispute between the UAW and American Axle in Three Rivers.Autoworkers rally to demand a fair contract, as tensions escalate between the UAW and a major manufacturer in Three Rivers, Michigan.Three Rivers Today

Hundreds of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2093 members at American Axle and Manufacturing (AAM) in Three Rivers, Michigan, and their supporters rallied in solidarity on Sunday amid contract negotiations between the union and the company. UAW President Shawn Fain joined the rally, pledging the international union's support and warning AAM that 'time is running out on corporate greed' as workers seek a 'square deal' on wages, benefits, and job security.

Why it matters

The rally highlights growing tensions between autoworkers and manufacturers as the industry faces economic uncertainty. AAM's Three Rivers plant is a major employer in the region, and the outcome of these negotiations could have significant impacts on the local community.

The details

Local 2093 began negotiations with AAM on March 23, and their current contract expires on May 31. Workers are seeking no concessions, fairer wages and profit sharing, better healthcare, stronger retirement benefits, and job security. Union leaders say workers made major sacrifices during the 2008 recession to save the plant, but have yet to regain lost ground, even as AAM has generated $2.9 billion in profits since 2022.

  • Local 2093 began contract negotiations with AAM on March 23, 2026.
  • The current UAW-AAM contract expires on May 31, 2026.

The players

Shawn Fain

President of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.

Josh Jager

Member of Local 2093's bargaining committee and an AAM employee since 2002.

American Axle and Manufacturing (AAM)

Also known as Dauch Corporation, a major Tier 1 auto parts supplier and one of the largest employers in St. Joseph County, Michigan.

UAW Local 2093

The local UAW chapter representing workers at the AAM plant in Three Rivers.

Angel Johnston

The Mayor of Three Rivers, Michigan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I came here today to deliver two simple messages: One message is for all of you in this room in Local 2093. That is that the international UAW has your back. And the other message is for American Axle, because I know they're listening. That message is this: Tick tock. That's the sound of the clock ticking on this company. It's the sound of 18 years of injustice at American Axle. It's the sound of time running out on corporate greed in Three Rivers, Michigan, and with American Axle.”

— Shawn Fain, President, United Auto Workers (UAW)

“In this moment, this negotiation represents a crossroads for the relationship between working people and the billionaire class, between working people and corporate America. There are people standing alongside you and behind you, not just in Michigan, but across this entire country. I want you to know we are there with our hands held high and pushed out forward to hold you up, to make sure you're strong, and if y'all got to go and strike, we're going to be right there with you on that line.”

— Garlin Gilchrist, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This rally underscores the ongoing tensions between autoworkers and manufacturers, as workers demand a fair share of the profits they help generate. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant impacts on the Three Rivers community and set an important precedent for the broader auto industry.