UAW Local 696 Strike Update

03/12/96

Reuters reported that GM told another 3,000 workers not to report for work as UAW's Local 696 moved into it's seventh day of striking against the nation's biggest automaker. The striking workers build brake components at GM's two Dayton, Ohio Delphi Chassis plants, and the brake components they assemble get used at all of GM's North American auto assembly plants except for a Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

In response to the strike, GM has shut down production lines across the country. So far production has ceased at 11 of 29 GM plants (9 assembly plants and 2 parts plants); more closings are expected. As the strike and plant closings continue, nearly 35,000 workers from across the continent wait for the company to work with Local 696 to resolve disputes about job security, safety conditions, and the company's plans to buy parts from outside sources rather than invest in their own already existing facilities and workforce. The Associated Press reported that no talks were scheduled, as of Monday morning.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel