The United Auto Workers union significantly escalated its walkout against Detroit's Three automakers, shutting down Ford's largest factory and threatening Jeep maker Stellantis.

The United Auto Workers unions targeted strike strategy continues to result in the big three auto companies temporarily laying off workers as work stoppages slow production up and down the supply chain. General Motors workers at a plant in Marion are among the latest to feel the effects.

Indiana's Ford, General Motors and Stellantis employees still have not been called to join the United Auto Workers strikes yet. But the state's workers are still being impacted as UAW strikes at facilities in other states lead to reduced production and temporary layoffs across the auto supply chain. Workers at an axle supplier in Fort Wayne are among the latest to feel those effects.

Stellantis is set to temporarily lay off about 300 workers at two parts manufacturing plants in Kokomo. In the face of that, a large group of United Auto Workers members and supporters gathered Sunday to practice picketing in front of one of Stellantis plants.

The president of the United Auto Workers said Friday the union will expand its strike against major automakers by walking out of 38 General Motors and Stellantis facilities in 20 states.

Chrysler-parent Stellantis said it may soon temporarily lay off 300 workers across two plants in Kokomo. In a statement Wednesday, the company said the anticipated layoffs are due to the United Auto Workers' "targeted" strike at an assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio.

The United Auto Workers union is less than 24 hours away from a potential national strike at major auto manufacturers. UAW members in Indiana are ready to take to the picket lines, but this possible strikes strategy is unusual.

Amid tense negotiations between the United Auto Workers union and the big three automakers Ford, General Motors and Stellantis union workers have growing concerns about the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).

If General Motors, Stellantis and Ford dont offer contracts that satisfy enough United Auto Workers union demands by Sept. 14, thousands of workers in Indiana and nationally will walk off the job. A strike could cost the companies, the national economy and the workers a lot of money.

The United Auto Workers allege General Motors and Stellantis refuse to fairly negotiate wages and other economic benefits. The UAWs federal complaints come ahead of a mid-September deadline to get a contract and avoid a strike. Both companies, which have plants in Indiana, deny that charge and say theyre working to resolve nearly 1,000 union demands. For at least one Fort Wayne worker, one of those union demands is particularly important.