GM, Union End 3rd Day of Strike Talks
DAYTON, Ohio — Negotiators for General Motors Corp. and the United Auto Workers union met Sunday for the third straight day in an effort to end a strike that has shut down GM production across North America.
Both sides have refused to indicate whether any progress has been made. Negotiators met for about 10 hours Friday, 12 hours Saturday and more than 13 hours Sunday.
There was no indication a settlement was near.
It is the longest sustained talks since 2,700 workers walked out March 5, primarily over the issue of outsourcing, which is the production of parts by outside plants or companies.
The union fears the practice could cut jobs. GM says outsourcing, because it can be cheaper, is necessary to remain competitive.
A union representative would not provide any other details of the talks and refused to give her name. GM spokesman Jim Hagedon also declined to comment on the talks.
Because much of GM’s overall production depends on parts made at two Dayton brake plants, the world’s largest auto maker had to shut down 23 of its 29 North American assembly plants and 17 parts plants. Production at dozens of others was partially affected.
About 126,000 GM workers in the United States, Canada and Mexico have been idled.
