LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Preparations are underway this week should united auto workers plan to go on a strike.

What You Need To Know

  • A looming strike is possible for U.S. auto workers amid contract negotiations

  • Three days and nights are left in the contract deadline

  • Negotiations continue to reach a deal with the big automakers, Ford, General Motors and Stellantis

  • Nationally, about 146,000 U.S. auto workers could go on strike this week if General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis fail to meet their demands

With three days and nights left in the contract deadline, negotiations continue to reach a deal with the big automakers, Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.

Yet, uncertainty about what happens this week is on top of Patty Trevino’s mind.

“I’m an assembler. Actually, I’m an inspector. I’ve been with Ford since (19)99, so I have 24 years,” Trevino said.

Among the many roles, she’s the chair of the union label with UAW Local 862.

“Everybody right now is worried, scared. We have not been on strike. This is a first time for everybody,” Trevino said.

She’s worried yet staying optimistic.

“We support our community and (are) just a little worried about the effects of us possibly striking and how it’s going to affect them,” Trevino said.

Todd Dunn is the President of UAW Local 862. He said each day is different. There’s progress or it can all regress but they’re making preparations needed if they do go on a strike. 

“So far, we’ve got a little assembly plant covered. You know, we got 2,800 some positions for picket duty assignments. Right. We’re also preparing to cover picket duty assignments on offsite areas. So we know Ford Motor Company is in the process of trying to offsite their vehicles. So we need to have a have a plan for that as well,” Dunn said.

They’re doing the same with the Kentucky Truck Plant.

“Over there, we have like 8,000 opportunities, right, for strike picket duties on the line because we have so many gates,” Dunn said.

With 75% of the planning done, and just a handful of days left, Trevino hopes for a good outcome.

“Little mom-and-pop shops that rely on us to, you know, order lunches or dinners, the food trucks that, you know, the plant brings in. They are little mom-and-pop organizations as well and it’s going to affect them,” Trevino said.

Nationally, about 146,000 U.S. auto workers could go on strike this week if General Motors, Ford and Stellantis fail to meet their demands. They’re asking for pay raises and the restoration of concessions the workers made years ago when the companies were in financial trouble, among other things.

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