A top United Auto Workers (UAW) official stated that talks between striking employees and General Motors have “taken a turn for the worse,” saying the walkout will persist.
Sunday, Oct. 6, marks the 21st day since the union workers walked off the job.
GM has “reverted back” to its “last rejected proposal and made little change. The company’s response did nothing to advance a whole host of issues that are important to you and your families. It did nothing to provide job security during the term of this agreement,” Dittes said.
The union “could not be more disappointed with General Motors who refuse to recognize the experience and talent of our membership who make their world-class products and billions of dollars in profits,” he explained.
On Friday, Dittes had said that the talks were making “good progress,” although he warned about issues such as health care and employment opportunities for temporary workers, according to news reports.
However, by Sunday, he said the negotiations “have taken a turn for the worse.”
“Your issues are our issues, and our strength is with you—our great membership. We will continue to negotiate on behalf of you, your families, and all workers in our country.”
The strike, meanwhile, has led to GM plant shutdowns outside of the United States, layoffs, and reduced pay for striking workers. They get $250 per week from the strike fund, the Free Press noted.
The walk-off has also halted factory output at about three-dozen GM plants in the United States, according to the Wall Street Journal. Analysts have estimated that the company is losing as much as $100 million per day from lost production.
“We are committed to continuing discussions around the clock to reach a resolution,” the spokesperson added.
