GM, in a statement, said it received official notice from the union that workers at the Wentzville plant were on strike. “We are disappointed by the UAW leadership’s actions, despite the unprecedented economic package GM put on the table, including historic wage increases and manufacturing commitments,” the company said.
“We will continue to bargain in good faith with the union to reach an agreement as quickly as possible for the benefit of our team members, customers, suppliers and communities across the U.S. In the meantime, our priority is the safety of our workforce.”
Gerald Johnson, GM’s executive vice president of global manufacturing and sustainability, in a video to employees released shortly after midnight Friday, said: “Unfortunately, we did not reach an agreement by the Sept. 14 deadline. I want you to know it wasn’t due to lack of effort. I believe we made four compelling offers, each being adjusted based on the feedback we were getting from the UAW discussions.
“Our bargaining teams on both sides have worked and will continue to work hard to make sure that we’re able to find a solution. Our goal remains the same: We expect a fair contract which rewards team members and also protects our company’s future.”
In an earlier statement, Ford said that the union responded with a “substantive counterproposal” around 8 p.m. Thursday but that the two sides remained far from a deal.
