by David Shepardson
(Reuters) – The president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) said on Friday that the U.S. union wanted to reach an agreement with Stellantis, General Motors and Ford, but that the possibility of a strike was not ruled out if all three manufacturers did not present better offers.
Shawn Fain announced that the UAW has rejected proposals from Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis, GM and Ford Motor, while the existing four-year collective agreements between the union and the automakers are set to expire on September 14.
“We want a deal. We are ready for a deal. But it has to be a deal that respects our sacrifices and our contributions,” said Shawn Fain. “If we reach 11:59 p.m. on Thursday… there will be, if necessary, a strike.”
Negotiations are expected to continue this weekend.
The UAW said it is seeking “bold” improvements in wages and benefits, including wage increases of more than 40 percent over four years, significant additional leave and the reinstatement of defined benefit pensions that had been removed for the most recent workers.
(With the contribution of Joseph White in Detroit; Camille Raynaud)
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