GM’s Counteroffer to UAW Shows Big Gap Remains as Strike Deadline Looms
Automaker propose 10% wage increase, far short of the union’s 40% ask
General Motors delivered a counteroffer to the United Auto Workers union Thursday that shows the sides remain far apart on pay and other benefits, one week out from a strike deadline.
The Detroit carmaker offered a 10% wage increase among other benefits, far short of the UAW’s demand of at least a 40% wage hike. The offer follows a similar one from Ford Motor last week, which called for a 9% wage increase. Both companies also proposed additional inflation-protection payments and signing bonuses totaling more than $16,000.
UAW President Shawn Fain in a statement called the GM GM -1.39%decrease; red down pointing triangle proposal insulting, and said the company is wasting union members’ time. Last week, Fain responded similarly to the proposal from Ford.
Jeep-maker Stellantis is planning to deliver its counteroffer to the union by the end of the week, a spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.
The three companies face a deadline of Sept. 14 at 11:59 p.m. to reach tentative agreements with the UAW on a new four-year contract. Fain has said the union is prepared to strike any of the three companies that haven’t reached a deal by that date, potentially taking 146,000 factory workers off the job.