American Axle's Three Rivers, Michigan facility will go dark Monday as nearly 1,000 United Auto Workers walk out over stalled contract negotiations. The plant supplies critical components for General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, raising immediate concerns about production schedules for two of the automaker's most profitable models.

Workers haven't recovered from 2008 concessions when they accepted 50% wage cuts to keep the plant operating during the financial crisis. Despite American Axle posting strong profits in recent years—largely driven by GM's truck success—the hourly workforce says their compensation remains below pre-recession levels. Contract talks have reached an impasse over these lingering wage disparities.

UAW President Shawn Fain framed the strike as 18 years of building profits while tolerating benefit cuts and disrespect. The timing coincides with GM's push to ramp up truck production amid strong demand for full-size pickups, which typically carry higher margins than passenger cars.

The work stoppage threatens to disrupt GM's supply chain during peak truck sales season, potentially impacting quarterly earnings if negotiations extend beyond a brief period. American Axle shares fell sharply in premarket trading Monday.