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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Uaw, Gm Resume Talks

Associated Press

Negotiators for General Motors Corp. and the United Auto Workers resumed talks Saturday, facing a union-imposed deadline today to reach a new labor contract or face a possible strike.

The talks were held behind closed doors at GM headquarters. Neither side would comment on how they were progressing.

Negotiations were believed to be hung up on the union’s demand that GM follow the job-security pattern set by national contracts signed by Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Corp.

Those automakers guaranteed to keep at least 95 percent of their union jobs over the next three years, with some exceptions. But GM wants several major parts plants excluded from its work force total because it may sell the plants to reduce costs.

GM chief negotiator Gerald Knechtel said in a statement Friday that the company was committed to getting a contract that gives it the flexibility needed to improve competitiveness.

There was speculation that if the UAW calls a strike, it is most likely to target only a few assembly plants where it would hurt most, such as those producing fast-selling, high-profit sport utility vehicles and pickups.

UAW spokesman Reg McGhee declined to comment on the union’s strategy. “A decision on whatever we’re going to do is still a day away,” he said.