GM Beats Ford to the Punch in UAW Negotiations

09/13/96

General Motors made a surprising "comprehensive contract proposal" to the United Auto Workers Union in an effort to reach a new labor agreement before the current pact expires Saturday. The move breaks with traditional bargaining patterns because the union is already in intensive negotiations with Ford for an industry pattern contract. Typically the labor agreement with the lead bargaining company sets the pattern for its competitors. Analysts expressed concern that Ford would agree to contract terms that GM could meet. No details available as of this writing.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel