In a significant escalation of the ongoing strikes in the U.S. automotive industry, the United Automobile Workers (UAW) union has announced a halt in production at General Motors' largest U.S. plant in Arlington, Texas. This comes as General Motors reported a 7 percent drop in third-quarter profits, with the UAW strikes costing the company a staggering $800 million thus far. The expansion of the strike also includes a Ram pickup truck plant, the largest factory under Stellantis, and Ford Motor's largest plant in Louisville, Kentucky.

According to UAW President Shawn Fain, this strike is a result of the workers demanding their fair share. Fain stated, "Another record quarter, another record year. As we've said for months: record profits equal record contracts. It's time G.M. workers, and the whole working class, get their fair share." Despite the strike, executives from General Motors expressed hope in reaching a tentative agreement with the union soon. Mary T. Barra, the company's CEO, emphasized that they have been offering a historic contract with record wage increases, job security, and top-tier healthcare benefits.

Meanwhile, in Sterling Heights, Michigan, union workers at the Ram pickup truck plant, owned by Stellantis, joined the strike on Monday. The closure of this facility, which is the largest Stellantis factory in the U.S., indicates significant differences between the automakers and the UAW, who are seeking a 40 percent wage increase over four years, improved retirement benefits, and other modifications.

The walkout at the Ram plant marks the first escalation since the UAW called for a strike at Ford Motor's largest plant in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 11. This plant is responsible for producing the Super Duty version of Ford's popular F-150 truck and the Ford Expedition SUV. Ram, being one of Stellantis's key brands, holds significant importance due to the high demand and premium prices of pickup trucks in the U.S. market.

Stellantis, a relatively new company formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot earlier this year, reported a profit of approximately $12 billion in the first half of 2021, surpassing the combined profits of General Motors and Ford. Currently, around 40,000 workers from Ford, GM, and Stellantis are participating in the strike nationwide. The UAW is striking at Ford plants in Michigan, Kentucky, and Chicago, as well as an Ohio plant and spare-parts warehouses owned by Stellantis. Additionally, two G.M. plants in Michigan and Missouri, along with warehouses, are also affected.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided.