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UAW rejects GM contract proposal on eve of day 17 of strike

Katie Raymond
/
Michigan Radio
Credit Katie Raymond / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio

The United Auto Workers has rejected General Motors' latest proposal for a new four-year contract.

The union says the offer fell short on many issues, including job security.

Michael Hicks is a manufacturing expert at Ball State University. He says the prospect of more plant closures and job losses is an existential threat to the UAW.

"The problem is retaining flexibility in employment for GM," says Hicks. "They just need to be able to cut their excess capacity when and as they need it, without being forced into maintaining employees by the UAW."

Hicks says both sides are financially able to endure a long strike.

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.