For many Stellantis employees, the annual profit-sharing check is vital, but this year, that check is not coming. Stellantis confirmed that its UAW-represented employees will not receive profit-sharing payments for 2025. The company’s North American operations failed to meet the minimum profit thresholds required under the 2023 UAW collective bargaining agreement, meaning no payout will be distributed. It marks the first time since 2010 that Stellantis workers have missed out entirely. For the full breakdown of how the profit-sharing formula works and what Stellantis reported, see coverage from The Detroit News.
No UAW Bonus This Year: What the Numbers Show
The contrast with other automakers is hard to ignore. Following a year of $26.4 billion in reported losses, Stellantis is the only member of the Big Three unable to deliver profit-sharing checks to its employees. Ford UAW workers are receiving approximately $6,780, down from the $10,208 paid out for 2024 performance. General Motors workers are set to receive up to $10,500, though even that is down around 30 percent from the $14,500 paid out a year ago. Stellantis workers receive nothing.
Two years ago, Stellantis workers took home close to $14,000 each. That gap represents a significant portion of annual income for workers who have come to count on it. UAW President Shawn Fain did not hold back in his response. “It’s a damn shame that autoworkers continue to pay the price for horrible mismanagement at Stellantis,” Fain said in a statement to Fox 2 Detroit. “In 2024 alone, Stellantis spent $8.3 billion on Wall Street payouts.”
If you were counting on that check, you’re not alone. Many workers across Michigan built their household budgets with this payout in mind. Without it, some common financial pressures come up quickly:
- Credit card balances going unpaid or growing month to month
- Falling behind on car loans or medical bills
- Increased reliance on high-interest debt just to cover basics
- Added strain from Stellantis layoffs or reduced hours at your plant
- Struggling to stay current on rent or mortgage payments
Missing one expected payment might feel manageable at first. When it stacks on top of existing debt, it can create a much bigger problem.
When “Can’t Pay Bills” Becomes a Longer Problem
If you’re already carrying significant debt and the no UAW bonus announcement has pushed you past a tipping point, it may be time to take a hard look at your options. Many auto industry workers in Michigan reach a point where the debt simply outpaces their ability to pay it off. That’s where speaking with a Southfield bankruptcy lawyer can make a real difference.
Bankruptcy is not something to be ashamed of. It’s a legal process designed for exactly these situations, and it exists to give working people a realistic path forward.
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13: A Brief Overview
Most individuals consider one of two options under federal bankruptcy law.
Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debts, including credit cards and medical bills, relatively quickly. If your income has dropped due to Stellantis layoffs or reduced shifts, you may qualify based on the means test, which measures income against state median levels.
Chapter 13 allows you to restructure and repay debts over three to five years through a court-approved plan, while protecting assets like your home or vehicle. This option works well for workers who are still employed but are overwhelmed by what they owe.
Both paths have real advantages. The right fit depends on your income, your assets, and the types of debt you’re carrying.
How We Can Help
Gudeman & Associates, P.C. has worked with Michigan residents facing the kind of financial pressure that comes from job disruptions, income cuts, and unexpected expenses. Our team understands the impact the auto industry has on working families in this state, and we know the financial situations many UAW members find themselves in.
If you’re searching for answers after the Stellantis profit-sharing news and you’re struggling to stay on top of your bills, speaking with a Southfield bankruptcy lawyer at our firm is a practical first step. We’ll walk you through whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 makes sense for your situation, and what the process actually looks like from start to finish. Reach out to us today to get started.
