Reports in the US point to some progress in talks between General Motors and the UAW, as GM's first strike in twelve years continued this week.
The Detroit News reported that UAW Vice President Terry Dittes said in a letter to the union local leadership that 'some progress' has been made in negotiations this week. However, he added that there are still issues that remain unresolved.
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The Detroit News also reported that meetings will continue into the weekend and beyond if a tentative agreement is not reached, according to Dittes's letter.
Reports in the US also say that the impact of the strikes has started to hit automotive suppliers, with a number of firms planning temporary layoffs if the strike continues. Much depends on the length of the strike, with many firms closely monitoring the situation.
About 49,000 UAW members went on strike this week when the UAW's GM collective bargaining contract expired last weekend without agreement on a new one. That closed about 55 GM factories and parts warehouses across the US. UAW members employed by GM have set pickets outside all of GM's installations in the United States, including the distribution centres and warehouses that are at the heart of the company's service parts operations. GM dealers are reportedly running short of some parts held up at warehouses.
Striking employees at GM are seeking better pay, benefits, job security and a path to full seniority for temporary workers. GM has outlined what it describes as a 'strong offer'.
The industrial unrest in the US for GM could also spill into Mexico, where workers are campaigning for a new labour union to be recognised amid allegations of corruption involving the GM assembly plant at Silao's official union, the CTM.
See also: GM Korea union restarts strike action after wage talks fail
