GM strike talks bog down on pay
Auto dealers and customers across the United States are feeling the crunch of the continuing strike by United Auto Workers, or UAW, against General Motors, as parts for routine repairs are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
The strike by 46,000 union workers entered its 11th day on Thursday, the longest nationwide walkout against the automaker since 1970. A pay increase is the main unresolved issue, as the company agreed to continue to pay healthcare premiums while workers are on picket lines.
"GM has chosen to work with our providers to keep all benefits fully in place for striking hourly employees so they have no disruption to their medical care, including vision, prescription and dental coverage," Scott Sandefur, vice-president of labor relations for GM North America, said in a letter to UAW Vice-President Terry Dittes.
