Stellantis Promotes 84 Hour Weeks to Increase Ram 1500 Production
Stellantis is promoting the idea of working around the clock to boost the production of popular vehicles such as the Ram 1500. However, the idea of having 84-hour workweeks is getting a little pushback. Is the Ram 1500 dealy really that bad?
Stellantis pushes 84-hour workweeks for Ram 1500 production
According to The Car Connection, the 84-hour workweek is back. Stellantis is testing the controversial policy that requires workers to have 12-hour shifts for seven days a week to maximize production.
The long workweek is being tested at the Sterling Heights Assembly plant where the Ram 1500 is manufactured, but it’s not growing in popularity. Initially, the arrangement would allow for workers to be rewarded for a full week off, but it was temporarily put on hold after workers became stressed.
They expressed concerns about how the increased hours would impact benefits, including overtime. However, Stellantis needs people working on weekends to help close the production gaps.
The ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak crippled supply chains with lockdowns, and longer hours are seen as the best way to increase production.
Is Stellantis struggling?
Stellantis is doing quite well. The Ram 1500 has been rivaling the Chevy Silverado 1500 as the second most popular truck in America. However, both models are behind the Ford F-150, which has been the number one truck for decades.
According to Torque News, plants usually shut down for two weeks in the summer to give workers a break. However, their time off was canceled in 2020 after COVID-19 caused the plants to be shut down for months.
While vehicle sales dropped by 16.9-percent and light pickup sales dropped by 11.3-percent, Ram 1500 registrations increased by 3.7-percent. Inventory levels of the most popular configurations dropped due to lack of production.
But workers don’t want to work during multiple weekend days each month. They feel that the union doesn’t have their best interests in mind and that the new workweek could become the new normal.
Also, for what it’s worth, Stellantis increased the payout of $7,280 to the 43,000 employees that are represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) to $8,010. The modest pay increase represents financial wellness.
Is the Ram 1500 a good truck?
Yes, the Ram 1500 is an excellent truck. It has been the top-rated option by Edmunds since it was redesigned in 2019. It’s praised for having a smooth ride, a sense of luxury, and strong off-roading and work capabilities.
You can get started in the 2021 model for about $32,595. There are four robust engine options, including the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine. When properly equipped, this truck can tow up to 12,750 lb. It can also carry a payload of up to 2,300 lb.
The Ram 1500 is agile and easy to drive. It’s incredibly smooth over bumps. Plus, wind and road noise is very minimal. The seats provide comfortable support for long drives, and the rear seats have more space than rivals.
You get a standard 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system but can upgrade to a 12-inch screen. There are plenty of USB and USB-C ports to charge devices. Also, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
