Machinists Local 778 and Teamsters Local 41 are sounding the alarm about potential union busting following the purchase of MAX Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, & Ram of Belton located at 7820 East 171st St., Belton, MO 64012 by Molle Auto Group.
The sale became final on Monday, July 28th, 2025.
IAM Local 778 (Machinists) and Teamsters Local 41 represent approximately twenty five union workers at the Belton, MO location.
“Molle has made it clear they do not intend to hire the current bargaining unit to avoid recognition. We are in personal contact with each of our members and have confirmed that only 1 is receiving an interview, well below the recognition threshold,” said Brown in an email to other area union leaders.
“Teamsters Local 41 is encouraging members and their families to not purchase cars, service their vehicles, or engage with Molle Auto Group so long as they continue to choose this path,” said Teamsters Local 41 President Joseph Monslow.
Below is a brief timeline of events, provided to The Labor Beacon by Local 778’s Directing Business Representative Scott Brown:
- April 23rd: MAX sent an official notice to Molle that the employees were union employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
- July 9: Molle Auto Group management team met with all union members stating they are excited to get to work with each of them and that “skilled labor” had no need to worry about their employment.
- July 18: All union employees received their termination notice from MAX and the transfer purchase date to Molle Auto Group would be effective July 28, 2025.
- July 18: Union employees received the application process for Molle Auto Group and that interviews would begin on July 28-29th.
- July 25: At approximately 3:00 p.m., union employees received official notice from Molle Auto Group that stated they “would not be moving forward with their application.” All employees were notified that all toolboxes and belongings had to be removed from the property by July 31, or Molle Auto Group would assess storage or removal fees.
“This is a blatant and deliberate move to avoid recognizing the employees’ right to collectively bargain a fair benefit package and working conditions in a shop that has had union representation for 25+ years. We will not sit by quietly and watch Molle Auto Group undermine our members and their families,” said Scott Brown.
“The current store at 7820 East 171st St., Belton, MO 64012 is closed this week. We will be planning an informational picket in the future when we have a better timeline for the Grand Opening. Our members were lied to and misled, putting themselves and their families in jeopardy,” said Brown. “Because the current store is closed pending the hiring of new employees, we are asking for supporters to contact ANY OR ALL of the Molle stores… You will speak with an onsite receptionist. We will be tying up the phone lines this entire week as much as possible to demand they recognize all union employees. We have vetted these numbers to ensure they are live, and we also believe the receptionists are on site at the locations. Our message will get where it needs to go.”
Machinists Call for Action:
Machinists Local 778 is asking that anyone and everyone call the below locations, all open, and use one of the sample statements below. Remember to engage with these receptionists respectfully, but firmly.
- Molle Toyota – 816-942-5200
- Molle VW / Audi – 816-941-9500
- Molle Chevrolet – 816-463-4659
SAMPLE: “Hi, I’m calling to demand that Molle Auto Group recognize and hire all union employees at the new Belton location. I stand with union workers.”
SAMPLE: “I’m calling to demand that Molle Auto Group recognize and negotiate a fair contract for all union employees at the Belton location. I stand with union workers.”
Tristin Amezcua-Hogan is the Editor of The Labor Beacon and a member of LIUNA Local 264. Tristin also serves as the Director of Communications for the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO and the Chair of the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance.
Tristin grew up as the son of a UA Local 669 member in Tecumseh, KS and the great-nephew of George C. Amis, longtime leader of the United Rubberworkers (now USW Local 307) in Kansas. Growing up in rural Kansas as the child of teen parents, Tristin quickly came to appreciate the life-changing benefit of a union job.
Tristin and his partner, Rebeca Amezcua-Hogan, are residents of the Westside, Kansas City, MO's historic Mexican neighborhood. They are proud members of Kansas City's New Reform Temple.
