UAW authorizes strikes amid contract negotiations; will target GM

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The UAW has voted to authorize strikes at The Big Three amid upcoming contract negotiations. 

Contracts expire at midnight at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14, and the UAW has targeted General Motors to be the focus of bargaining. A deal with that company is likely to set the pattern for the others. If there is a strike, it would be against the target.

The UAW Constitution requires members to vote and give authorization in order to strike if necessary. The vote does not mean there will or will not be a strike. It gives authority to the UAW International President and International Executive Board to call for a strike. 

Many observers expect a strike as the union seeks pay raises and the companies seek cost parity with foreign automakers that have plants in the U.S.

Locals have also elected National Bargaining Representatives as part of the national bargaining team.

Each local voted independently. The aggregate totals by automakers are:
FCA   96%
Ford   95.98%
General Motors   96.4%

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