Early Monday, over 49,000 GM workers went on strike, shutting down 33 manufacturing plants in nine states across the U.S., as well as 22 parts distribution warehouses, reports Associated Press. It’s the first national strike by the union since a two-day walkout in 2007.
The strike includes 3,300 employees of the General Motors plant in Spring Hill, reports News Channel 5.
Here’s What We Know So Far:
- The four-year contract between General Motors and the United Auto Workers expired Saturday
- The strike began at 12am Monday when contract negotiations between the United Autoworkers Union and General Motors broke down.
- Union workers are striking for fair wages, affordable health care, profit sharing, job security and a path to permanent employment for temporary workers.
- The UAW members who went on strike at General Motors (GM) Monday will get $250 a week in strike benefits from the union’s strike fund, reports CNN
- CNN Business obtained a letter from Terry Dittes, vice president of UAW, telling union members that during the strike their health insurance will continue through the end of September— paid for by GM.
- GM released a statement. Read it in its entirety below:
We presented a strong offer that improves wages, benefits and grows U.S. jobs in substantive ways and it is disappointing that the UAW leadership has chosen to strike at midnight tonight. We have negotiated in good faith and with a sense of urgency. Our goal remains to build a strong future for our employees and our business.
Offer details:
Over $7 billion in investments and more than 5,400 Jobs:
- Solutions for unallocated assembly plants in Michigan and Ohio
- Investments in eight facilities in four states
- Introduction of all-new electric trucks
- Opportunity to become the first union-represented battery cell manufacturing site in the U.S.
- Additional new vehicle and propulsion programs
Best-in-Class Wages and Benefits: - Wage or lump sum increases in all four years
- Improved Profit Sharing Formula
- Ratification payment of $8,000
- Retain nationally-leading health care benefits
- New coverage for autism therapy care, chiropractic care and allergy testing
