UAW sees ‘good progress’ on key issues to try to resolve GM strike

FAN Editor

United Auto Workers members on strike picket outside General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant on Sept. 25, 2019 in Detroit.

Michael Wayland / CNBC

The United Auto Workers union said on Friday it had made progress on some key issues as it works to try to reach a contract with General Motors to resolve a nearly three-week-old strike that has idled 48,000 workers.

The UAW said late Friday it had made “good progress” on health care and the status of temporary workers but still has unresolved issues like “wages, job security, skilled trades and pension.”

Talks will continue over the weekend in an attempt to reach a deal.

The GM strike began Sept. 16 with workers seeking higher pay, greater job security, a bigger share of the leading U.S. automaker’s profit and protection of healthcare benefits.

Analysts estimate the strike has cost GM over $1 billion, while LMC Automotive estimated on Thursday GM has lost production of 118,000 vehicles through Oct. 2.

Earlier this week, the strike forced GM to halt production at its pickup and transmission plants in Silao, Mexico, resulting in temporary layoffs of 6,000 workers.

Read the full letter from GM Vice President Terry Dittes below:

Dear Union Brothers and Sisters:

Since the last update, we have made good progress regarding the issues of health care and a path for temporary employees becoming seniority members.

We still have several of your proposals outstanding and unsettled like wages, job security, skilled trades and pension.

The staff and your elected Bargaining Committee from both hourly and salary have been working long hours and aggressively addressing your needs. We will continue to work over the weekend in an attempt to reach a Tentative Agreement on behalf of you and your families.

Thank you for standing strong and making sacrifices for the good of all.

In solidarity,

Terry Dittes

Vice President and Director

UAW General Motors Department

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