The Enduring Legacy of Labor
An interactive journey through the history of the United Auto Workers, General Motors, and the Missouri plants that shaped a region's industrial heart.
A Tale of Two Eras
The story of GM in Missouri is a story of transition—from the sprawling industrial might of the historic St. Louis plant to the high-tech precision of Wentzville. Explore the legacy and the future of our labor.
1920s - 1986 The St. Louis Anchor
A colossal industrial complex, the St. Louis plant was an economic engine for generations. It produced millions of vehicles, from Chevrolet trucks to the iconic Corvette, and played a vital role in WWII. Its closure in 1986 marked the end of an era, but its legacy lives on in the workers who built it.
Plant Profile
- ▪Union Local: UAW Local 25 (Chartered 1935)
- ▪Products: Chevy Trucks, Impalas, Corvettes
- ▪Status: Closed (Aug 1986)
Lifetime Production
6.3M
Vehicles Produced
Historical Peak
35k
Peak Workforce
1983 - Present The Wentzville Powerhouse
The Wentzville Assembly Plant represents GM's modern manufacturing prowess. Home to UAW Local 2250, it produces a diverse range of vehicles, from vans to mid-size trucks. It stands as a testament to innovation, high-tech adaptability, and continued American automotive dominance.
Plant Profile
- ▪Union Local: UAW Local 2250 (Chartered 1982)
- ▪Products: Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Express/Savana Vans
- ▪Status: Active & Investing
Annual Output
~250k
Units Per Year
Current Strength
4,000+
Active Members
Data verified against historical records and GM public facility reports. St. Louis Data • Wentzville Data
The Heart of the Union: Local 2250
The identity of the workforce at Wentzville is defined by UAW Local 2250. This section explores the core principles that drive its famously "old-school, hard-nosed" culture. These aren't just slogans; they are deeply held beliefs that have led to major labor actions and define the local's relationship with both GM and the national UAW.
"Seniority is King"
The bedrock principle. Local 2250 fiercely defends seniority against management practices like job rotation, viewing it as the ultimate protection for workers' jobs and skills. This single issue was central to the "Wentzville 41" incident.
Local Autonomy
Local 2250 has a history of independent action. It was one of only two locals to reject the tiered-wage system in 2008 and voted against the national GM contract in 2023, showcasing a willingness to defy broader trends to uphold local standards.
Militant Solidarity
From national strikes to supporting sister locals like Lear's UAW 282, Local 2250 demonstrates a powerful commitment to collective action, understanding that strength lies in unity across the supply chain.
GM UAW Wentzville: A History in Time
Explore the significant milestones and pivotal moments in the history of the General Motors Wentzville Assembly Center and UAW Local 2250, showcasing decades of dedication, struggle, and progress. Click on each event to learn more!
1983: Wentzville Assembly Plant Opens
Early Years: UAW Local 2250 Established
1996: Transition to Full-Size Vans
2007: Rejection of Tiered Wage System
2015: The "Wentzville 41"
2014: Colorado & Canyon Production Begins
2019: The 40-Day Strike
2023: Vote Against National Contract
Present: Sole Provider of GM Vans
The Economic Engine of Missouri
The Wentzville plant is more than a factory; it's a cornerstone of the regional and state economy. This dashboard visualizes the plant's massive contribution through jobs, investment, and GDP, illustrating why its continued success is vital for thousands of families and the state's prosperity.
Enjoy Our Union History Game
Ever wonder why we've got weekends, decent wages, and safer workplaces? Look no further than the awesome world of unions! Imagine a time when folks worked super long hours for peanuts... Wait Some still do. UNIONIZE!
Next Challenge: Beat our Game!