Smithtown Kia Technicians Unionize 8-1 Despite Estimated $80K–$108K Anti-Union Campaign

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 7, 2026

Technicians at Smithtown Kia voted 8-1 on July 13 to join United Auto Workers Local 259, citing wage stagnation, inadequate PTO, rising healthcare costs, and lack of respect from ownership. Management reportedly hired two outside labor relations consultants — Jason Blain and Douglas Grima — at $425 per hour, with LaborLab estimating total anti-union spending between $80,000 and $108,000, or roughly $8,500 per employee. The case highlights the growing use of third-party labor consultants in union campaigns and the federal LM-20 disclosure requirements that govern them. Contract bargaining sessions are expected to begin soon.