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US Auto Workers Extend Ford, Fiat Chrysler Pacts; Strike Possible at GM

Associated Press

   DETROIT - Leaders of the United Auto Workers union have extended
   contracts with Ford and Fiat Chrysler indefinitely, but the pact with
   General Motors is still set to expire Saturday night.
   The move puts added pressure on bargainers for both sides as they
   approach the contract deadline and the union starts topreparefor a
   strike.
   The contract extension was confirmed Friday by UAW spokesman Brian
   Rothenberg, who declined further comment on the talks.

   The union has picked GM as the target company, meaning it is the focus
   of bargaining and would be the first company to face a walkout. GM's
   contract with the union is scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m. Saturday.

   Picket lines posted
   It's possible that the four-year GM contract also could beextendedor a
   deal could be reached, but it's more likely that 49,200 UAW members
   could walk out of GM plants as early as Sunday because union and
   company demands are so far apart.

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