UAW Begins Strike at Volvo’s Va. Truck Plant

Volvo Trucks North America said Friday it failed to reach agreement with the United Auto Workers union on a labor contract that expired Thursday, and about 2,600 UAW members at its manufacturing plant in Virginia went on strike there Friday.

The plant is VTNA’s New River Valley assembly facility in Dublin, Va., where VTNA assembles Volvo VT, VN and VHD trucks. Negotiations for the new contract began on Jan. 8, the company said.
 
“We regret that the UAW has decided to take this action,” said Per Carlsson, VTNA’s chief executive officer. “Volvo Trucks is committed to the collective bargaining process, and we will continue to bargain in good faith until an agreement can be achieved.”
 
In December, Volvo said it would begin laying off up to 650 workers at the facility.