Thousands of GM workers go on strike after talks break down

The United Auto Workers (UAW) went on strike at 11:59 p.m. Eastern after talks to negotiate a new deal with General Motors did not produce a new agreement. The union has confirmed plans to continue the discussions on Monday, meanwhile up to 50,000 workers are expected to be on the picket line.

The strike will impact the UAW 726 members employed at the GM plant in Arlington. They reportedly have 4,000 hourly employees, and more than 250 salaried. Earlier this summer it was announced the plant will work on the creation of the 2021 Cadillac escalade, 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and more. 

NBC reported the union’s vice president, Terry Dittes, sent a letter to members of the union on Saturday stating the two sides could not agree on critical issues. They included wages, health care benefits, temp workers, job security, and profit-sharing. 

Presidential candidate for the 2020 Democratic nomination, Julian Castro tweeted, “The CEO of @GM made nearly $22 million dollars last year—281 times the median GM worker. I stand with the 46,000 @UAW members who have moved to strike, fighting for affordable health care and fair wages. GM can afford to do right by them.”

Each side points fingers to the other side on why the stalemate exists. 

Dittes told the media the membership had issued a unanimous vote to strike, a step he referred to as “our last resort.” 

“It represents great sacrifice and great courage on the part of our members and all of us,” according to Dittes. 

However, he did acknowledge the recent offer from GM was promising, calling it their “first serious offer.”

On the other side, GM issued a statement, saying their proposal includes 5,400 jobs, investments in eight facilities in four unnamed states. They also promise wage or lump sum increases in all four years, improved profit-sharing formula, and more. 

“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,” according to the GM statement. “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.”