DETROIT – Officials with the United Automobile Workers union have weighed in on a proposed tentative agreement with General Motors.
The two sides announced the proposed tentative agreement Wednesday -- the 31st day of negotiations during the workers' strike.
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READ: Here's what's next after proposed tentative agreement reached
UAW President Gary Jones
Here's what UAW President Gary Jones said in a statement about the proposed tentative agreement:
"The dignity, grace and solidarity demonstrated by our members during the last few weeks are prime examples of what this union is all about: supporting one another in the good and bad times and never giving up. Our more than 48,000 members standing their ground have captured the hearts and minds of people across this country. I could not be prouder of our brothers and sisters, our National Negotiators and the National Council as they continue to fight one day longer to secure the best deal for our members."
UAW VP Terry Ditties
Here's what UAW Vice President Terry Ditties, the director of the UAW GM Department, said in a statement about the proposed tentative agreement:
"The No. 1 priority of the national negotiation team has been to secure a strong and fair contract that our members deserve. Out of respect for our members, we will refrain from commenting on the details until the UAW GM leaders gather together and receive all details.
"We are extremely grateful to the thousands of Americans who donated goods and helped our striking workers and their families. As we await the Council's decision, please know that the outpouring of community and national support will be etched in the memories of all of us at the UAW for years to come."
What's next
The strike will continue until the UAW GM National Council votes to approve the proposed tentative agreement, officials said.
During the Oct. 17 meeting, council members will decide whether to continue the strike or until ratification continues or stop the strike upon approval.
The agreement will not be ultimately ratified until UAW-GM membership across the country votes to approve it.
More on the strike
Here's a look at what was on the negotiation table:
- The current time to progress to top pay with full-time, full benefits status is eight years. The UAW wants that knocked down to four years.
- The union also wants temporary workers to be able to qualify for progression.
- Workers will get 3 percent raises and lump sum bonuses in two of four years.
- Workers will get enhanced health care at no extra cost.
Former GM negotiator Dr. Arthur Schwartz said he has a theory for why reaching an agreement took so long.
"It appears that the leaders right now are not confident that they'll be able to sell an agreement to the membership and get it ratified," he said.
UAW Mack Truck member strike
The United Automobile Workers Mack Truck members went on strike at 11:59 p.m. Saturday for better pay, benefits and job protections.
According to the union, 3,600 Mack Truck workers in three states -- Florida, Maryland and Pennsylvania -- are on strike. Read more here: UAW Mack Truck members in three states on strike
On Saturday, the union announced striking GM workers will get an additional $25 a week and can now work part-time during the strike.
The UAW International Executive Board voted Saturday to increase the strike pay to $275, effective Sunday. The strike pay was set to increase Jan. 1, 2020.
The national strike against GM began on Sept. 15 and, by the next day, nearly 50,000 union members had stopped reporting to work. The strike has resulted in the shutting down of 33 manufacturing plants and 22 part distribution facilities nationwide.