Sept 23 (Reuters) - Stellantis ( STLA ) on Monday

denied failing to honor its commitments with the United Auto

Workers under an agreement reached in 2023, even as the union

prepares for an unprecedented strike a year after a national

walkout.

UAW President Shawn Fain said last week several of its union

local chapters were laying the groundwork for strikes after

accusing Stellantis ( STLA ) of breaking its contract promises.

The union's grievances center around the company's product

and investment commitments made during the contract negotiations

last autumn.

The main sticking points for the UAW revolve around delays

of a planned multibillion-dollar investment into a new battery

plant and factory in Belvidere, Illinois and possible plans by

Stellantis ( STLA ) to move production of the Dodge Durango SUV out of

the U.S.

"To be clear, Stellantis ( STLA ) has abided, and will continue to

abide, by the agreement the parties reached in 2023,"

Stellantis' ( STLA ) North America COO Carlos Zarlenga said.

Chrysler-parent Stellantis' ( STLA ) North American operations have

been struggling and has attracted criticism from consumers and

workers who have argued the company has not done enough to

invigorate demand.