Sterling Heights, now Arlington: Here's where UAW may strike next [UPDATE]

UPDATE, OCT. 24: The strike Tuesday expanded to GM's Arlington Assembly. Previous story from Monday appears below.

The United Auto Workers union this morning staged a surprise walkout of 6,800 workers at Stellantis' Sterling Heights Assembly, where the Ram 1500 pickup is built. But maybe it wasn't a surprise after all. UAW President Shawn Fain may have tipped his hand during his video update last Friday — and he may also have specified the next closures to come if the strike, now in its sixth week, continues much longer.

In his approximately 26-minute presentation Friday, Fain reported progress in contract negotiations and attempted to shore up the resolve of union members to continue the strike, addressing many who are ready to vote on the concessions already wrested from the Detroit Three automakers. He focused heavily on Ford, excoriating the company for announcing mid-negotiations that it would issue stock dividends, and answering points made by Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr., who made a direct appeal last week to UAW members. Ford has made the most concessions from among the automakers but has said it is at the limit of what it can do and remain competitive.