General Motors and Stellantis are nearing agreements with the United Auto Workers (UAW) following extensive discussions, as per three knowledgeable sources.
The timeframe for finalizing the deals remains uncertain, and some additional progress is still required, the sources noted. In high-stakes negotiations like these, things can quickly become challenging.
However, the individuals close to the talks expressed optimism and revealed that GM CEO Mary Barra had lengthy discussions with union officials until late Thursday.
This development comes after the UAW reached a tentative labor agreement with Ford, which was a significant breakthrough indicating that the six-week strike may be coming to an end. This progress was met with relief by President and other Democratic elected officials. They had concerns that a prolonged strike could adversely affect the economy and their prospects for the 2024 elections.
When asked for comment, General Motors stated they are actively working with the UAW to reach an agreement as soon as possible. Stellantis confirmed that negotiations are ongoing.
Biden publicly praised the agreement with Ford and privately commended UAW President Shawn Fain in a phone call on Wednesday, according to two individuals familiar with the conversation. One source mentioned that Biden congratulated Fain.
The UAW has yet to respond to a request for comment.
The Biden administration has closely monitored the negotiations but emphasized that they are not intervening. White House senior adviser Gene Sperling and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su traveled to Detroit multiple times in recent weeks to meet with the parties involved and facilitate the bargaining process, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Labor Department.
UAW’s national Ford council will vote on the union’s agreement with Ford on Sunday, announced Fain on Wednesday. If approved by the council, the agreement will be made public and presented to members via a Facebook Live event on Sunday, along with explanations provided to union locals.
Following that, members will have the opportunity to vote on whether to ratify the agreement.
