UAW prepares to strike as contract talks hit deadlineStaff at three of America's biggest carmakers are poised to strike in an unprecedented co-ordinated action.
With current labour contracts set to expire on Thursday night, the United Autoworkers Union said the companies had not put forward acceptable offers.
The fight threatens to trigger higher prices for buyers and major disruption for the firms: GM, Ford and Stellantis.
The UAW said the likely strike would start on Friday at a small number of sites - with the potential to expand.
"We are seeing movement from the companies, but they're still not willing to agree on the kinds of raises that will make up for inflation on top of decades of falling wages," UAW president Shawn Fain said on Wednesday in an update to workers.
The union had sought a 40% pay increase for its roughly 140,000 members over four years, noting a comparable rise in pay for company leaders.
Other demands included:
a four-day working week
the return of automatic pay increases tied to inflation
stricter limits on how long workers can be considered "temporary" staff who do not receive union benefits
Talks between the two sides, which kicked off in July, were tense from the start, with Mr Fain forgoing the symbolic handshake with executives that has traditionally launched negotiations. Last month, 97% of members voted to authorise a strike.
As of Wednesday,the three companies have upped their initial proposals, with Ford offering a 20% hike in pay over the contract term, GM offering 18%, and Stellantis, the owner of Jeep and Chrysler, 17.5%, Mr Fain said.
Workers said the companies could afford to be more generous, after years of record profits.
"In my opinion we are owed this," said Paul Raczka, who works in a Stellantis factory in Michigan making Jeep Grand Cherokees.
Paul Raczka.................
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