Detroit Evening Report: UAW president: Detroit automakers are running out of time to avoid a strike

The head of the United Auto Workers is warning that the Detroit automakers are running out of time to reach a deal with the union.

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In a recent interview with the Associated Press, UAW President Shawn Fain left open the possibility of avoiding a strike and acknowledged that the union will have to give up some of its demands to reach agreements with Detroit’s Big 3.

“There’s a lot of back and forth in bargaining,” Fain told the AP, “and naturally, when you go into bargaining, you don’t always get everything you demand. Our workers have high expectations. We made a lot of sacrifices going back to the economic recession.”

The current contract ends Sept. 15 at midnight.

A strike against General Motors, Stellantis and Ford could cause damage not only to the entire auto industry, but also to the nation’s economy, mainly in Michigan. A work stoppage could also lead to an increase in already record-high vehicle prices.

Editor’s note: Some employees of WDET are members of UAW Local 1979 — a different bargaining group that’s unaffected by these negotiations.

Other headlines for Sept. 6, 2023:

• Detroit’s health department is bringing back its community block party this weekend
• Arab American National Museum is hosting a music festival Sept. 16-17
• WERUN313 is giving away 500 pairs of shoes in Detroit

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