Strike Update: Tentative Deal Reached In UAW Strike Against GM

The United Autoworkers announced Wednesday it had reached a tentative agreement with General Motors, ending a strike that had idled plants across the country in the longest auto industry walkout since 1970.

Members of the UAW GM National Council were to meet Thursday to vote on the deal, which could end the walkout affecting 48,000 UAW members. If the council approves the agreement, the rank-and-file will weigh in next in what is seen as a referendum on whether members trust the leadership in the wake of corruption scandals.

Details of the tentative pact were not released.

“We can confirm the UAW’s statement regarding a proposed tentative agreement.," GM spokesman Dan Flores said in a statement. "Additional details will be provided at the appropriate time."

The Detroit News reported the pact provides for ratification bonuses of more than $8,000 per member.

The monthlong strike cost GM more than $1.5 billion and affected workers in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Texas, who have lost more than $835 million in pay. Talks centered on job security, production allocation, health insurance and shrinking the eight years it takes new hires to reach top scale. Other sticking points involved temporary hires. Negotiations began in July. The strike was called Sept. 15.

UAW Vice President Terry Dittes, director of the UAW GM Department, cited community support for helping UAW members get through the walkout, thanking them for food and other donations.

The agreement came a day after GM CEO Mary Barra and President Mark Reuss joined the talks.

The work stoppage also affected suppliers, who were forced to lay off employees just a few days into the strike, an action that rippled through foreign plants as parts shortages interrupted production in Mexico.

The GM contract will serve as a model for the rest of the industry. Both Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles extended their UAW contracts while the GM negotiations continued.

The UAW has a 148,000 members at the three automakers.