Inform, Entertain, Inspire
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

GM, UAW could be close to proposed contract and ending long strike

UAW members on the picket line in Flint
Lester Graham
/
Michigan Radio
UAW members on the picket line in Flint
UAW members on the picket line in Flint
Credit Lester Graham / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio
UAW members on the picket line in Flint

As the UAW's strike against GM enters its fifth week, the two sides may finally be close to reaching a proposed deal on a new contract.

The talks have been unusually difficult, with negotiators struggling to resolve disputes over job security, temporary workers, health insurance, and wage increases. 

But neither side walked away from the table, despite some angry rhetoric from the union. Union leaders said on Friday GM was not negotiating in good faith and was attempting to "starve" workers to force them off the picket line. Workers have been getting $250 in strike pay a week.

Tuesday morning, GM CEO Mary Barra took part in the talks.  The union also has summoned its local presidents to Detroit. 

Kristin Dziczek is Vice President of Industry, Labor & Economics with the Center for Automotive Research.

"I think it's all positive signs," says Dzickek.  "And then bringing in the leadership from the locals, it could very well be that they expect to have a tentative agreement by Thursday. "

Members will have to ratify any agreement. Voting usually takes two weeks, but Dzickek says the union may speed up the vote given the length of the strike, which has caused financial difficulties both for the workers and GM.  

If there is a proposed contract, union leaders will have to decide whether to keep workers on the picket line during the voting, or bring them back to the factory floor.

Copyright 2019 Michigan Radio

Tracy Samilton covers the auto beat for Michigan Radio. She has worked for the station for 12 years, and started out as an intern before becoming a part-time and, later, a full-time reporter. Tracy's reports on the auto industry can frequently be heard on Morning Edition and All Things Considered, as well as on Michigan Radio. She considers her coverage of the landmark lawsuit against the University of Michigan for its use of affirmative action a highlight of her reporting career.