The ongoing feud between the United Auto Workers and Stellantis has escalated into a major political issue in the race for U.S. president, potentially leading to a strike against the automaker.

At the Democratic National Convention, union President Shawn Fain accused Stellantis of breaking promises to reopen a shuttered assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, sparking controversy.

Last fall, the union successfully negotiated the reopening of the plant after a lengthy strike, and Fain emphasized the importance of Stellantis keeping its commitments as outlined in the union contract.

Stellantis, however, has pushed back, indicating that modifications to investments and employment levels are within their rights. The dispute has led to uncertainties about the future of the Belvidere plant.

The UAW has filed a grievance against Stellantis, claiming that the company’s delays in reopening certain operations are in violation of the contract terms and could adversely impact manufacturing jobs.

The situation has drawn attention from key political figures, with President Biden visiting Belvidere to celebrate the plant reopening and Vice President Harris lending her support to the union’s cause.

Meanwhile, profits at Stellantis have dipped due to lower sales and restructuring costs, further complicating the standoff between the company and the union.

The union’s stance has garnered both support and criticism, with political undertones adding a layer of complexity to the already contentious situation.