DETROIT — The United Auto Workers and General Motors have reached a tentative contract agreement that could end a monthlong strike that brought the automaker's U.S. factories to a standstill.
The deal was hammered out Wednesday but it won't immediately end the strike by more than 49,000 workers. They're likely to stay on the picket lines at least a few more days until union committees vote on the deal. The entire membership also must vote.
Details of the four-year agreement have yet to be released.
Workers left their jobs early Sept. 16. They wanted a bigger share of GM's profits, job security and a path to permanent jobs for temporary workers.
The company wanted to reduce labor costs so they're closer to U.S. factories run by foreign automakers.
Senator Rob Portman of Ohio released this statement Wednesday afternoon:
“I’m pleased that the UAW and GM have reached a tentative agreement to get folks back to work. I hope the agreement will benefit Ohio, and Lordstown specifically, and I look forward to reviewing the details. I’ve long said that GM should bring another vehicle to the world-class Lordstown facility. I will continue to fight for the workers there and push GM to do the right thing.”
Congressman Bob Latta said the tentative deal is a good first step.
“While the details of a tentative deal are sparse, and ratification still needs to take place, this development is a positive step towards a final resolution. I’m hopeful that both sides will come together in order to end this strike, and employees can get back to work manufacturing American-made cars, trucks, and SUVs," Latta said.
