Oct 6, 2019

Striking GM workers say labor talks have "taken a turn for the worse"

Jacob Knutson

United Auto Workers striking. Photo: Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

The United Auto Workers said in a letter Sunday that negotiations for a new 4-year labor contract between General Motors and its striking workers have "taken a turn for the worse" after the union rejected GM's latest proposal, according to Reuters.

Why it matters: UAW's GM members have been participating in the nation's first auto strike in 12 years. 21 days in, the United States' largest automaker and its 48,000 picketing workers are both beginning to experience financial strain.

Context: The UAW's GM members went on strike on Sept. 16, demanding a new labor contract that would include fairer wages, affordable health care, profits, job security and a path for permanent positions for temporary employees.

What they're saying: Terry Dittes, the UAW vice president in charge of the GM department, said in the letter that GM repeated a contract offer that the union had previously rejected.

  • "We, in this union, could not be more disappointed with General Motors who refuse to recognize the experience and talent of our membership," the letter reads.

Go deeper: Health care friction in the UAW strike

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Marisa Fernandez

Auto workers union reaches tentative deal with GM to end labor strike

Workers from United Auto Workers Local 440 picket outside a General Motors plant. Photo: Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The United Auto Workers has sealed a preliminary labor deal with automaker General Motors, the union announced on Wednesday.

"Today, after five weeks of intense negotiations, the UAW GM National Negotiators and UAW GM Vice President Terry Dittes announced the achievement of a Proposed Tentative Agreement with General Motors. The elected national negotiators voted to recommend the UAW GM National Council accept the Proposed Tentative Agreement as the agreement represents major gains for UAW workers."
Go deeperArrowOct 16, 2019
Joann Muller

U.S. jobs are key issue as GM strike drags on

Striking GM workers at a powertrain plant in Bedford, Ind. Photo: Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike against GM is now 24 days old, with the UAW's chief bargainer telling members Tuesday evening that job security remains a key sticking point.

Why it matters: The economic damage is spreading. In addition to the 49,000 striking workers, another 100,000 non-UAW employees at GM and its suppliers are out of work because there's nothing for them to do, according to Anderson Economic Group.

Go deeperArrowOct 9, 2019
Joann Muller

GM workers will remain on strike during vote at union halls

Workers from United Auto Workers Local 440 picket at an entrance of General Motors' Bedford Powertrain factory during national labor strike against GM. Photo: SOPA Images/Contributor/Getty Images

The United Auto Workers strike against General Motors will continue for at least another week as union members vote on whether to ratify a tentative contract agreement.

Why it matters: The unusual decision by some 200 local union leaders from GM plants around the country means the economic pain for the company, its employees and suppliers will continue to mount at least through Oct. 25, when voting at local union halls is scheduled to conclude.

Go deeperArrowOct 17, 2019