Auto workers vow to strike at midnight if GM holds firm
/ CBS/AP
A United Auto Workers official said the union's General Motors workers will strike if the automaker "refuses to give even an inch" in contract negotiations. UAW spokesman Brian Rothenberg siad in a news release that such a strike would begin Sunday night at 11:59 p.m.
The union let its contract with GM expire on Saturday, raising the possibility of a strike. UAW leaders were meeting Sunday in Detroit to discuss the union's next steps.
Union leaders have said the two sides are far apart on economic issues.
Trending News
"We stood up for General Motors when they needed us most. Now we are standing together in unity and solidarity for our Members, their families and the communities where we work and live," said UAW Vice President Terry Dittes.
GM said in a statement Saturday night that it still held out hope for an agreement, saying it continues to work on solutions to difficult challenges.
A strike by 49,200 union workers would bring to a halt GM's U.S. production, and would likely stop the company from making vehicles in Canada and Mexico as well. That would mean fewer vehicles for consumers to choose from on dealer lots, and it would make it impossible to build specially ordered cars and trucks.
The union's executive board was to meet early Sunday to talk about the union's next steps, followed by a meeting in Detroit of plant-level union leaders from all over the country. An announcement was scheduled for after the meetings end.
If there is a strike, it would be the union's first since a two-day work stoppage at GM in 2007.
The move by the union also comes as it faces an internal struggle over a federal corruption investigation that has touched its president, Gary Jones. Some union members are calling for Jones to step down while the investigation continues. But Friday night, union leaders did not remove Jones.
Union officials surely will face questions about the expanding investigation that snared a top official on Thursday. Vance Pearson, head of a regional office based near St. Louis, was charged with corruption in an alleged scheme to embezzle union money and spend cash on premium booze, golf clubs, cigars and swanky stays in California. It's the same region that Jones led before taking the union's top office last year. Jones has not been charged.
On Friday, union leaders extended contracts with Ford and Fiat Chrysler indefinitely, but the pact with General Motors was still set to expire Saturday night.
The union has picked GM, which is more profitable than Ford and Fiat Chrysler, as the target company, meaning it's the focus of bargaining and would be the first company to face a walkout. Picket line schedules already have been posted near the entrance to one local UAW office in Detroit.
Talks between the union and GM were tense from the start, largely because GM plans to close four U.S. factories. The union has promised to fight the closures.
Main areas of disagreement
– GM is making big money, $8 billion last year alone, and workers want a bigger slice. The union wants annual pay raises to guard against an economic downturn, but the company wants to pay lump sums tied to earnings. Automakers don't want higher fixed costs.
– The union also wants new products for the four factories GM wants to close. The factory plans have irked some workers, although most of those who were laid off will get jobs at other GM factories. GM currently has too much U.S. factory capacity.
– The companies want to close the labor cost gap with workers at plants run by foreign automakers. GM's gap is the largest at $13 per hour, followed by Ford at $11 and Fiat Chrysler at $5, according to figures from the Center for Automotive Research. GM pays $63 per hour in wages and benefits compared with $50 at the foreign-owned factories.
– Union members have great health insurance plans but workers pay about 4% of the cost. Employees of large firms nationwide pay about 34%, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The companies would like to cut costs.
First published on September 15, 2019 / 11:09 AM
© 2019 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Iran slams "lies" after U.S. accusation of "unprecedented attack"
Drone attacks that hit the world's biggest oil processing facility and an oil field in Saudi Arabia could shock world energy prices
3H ago 
At least 6 dead as torrential rain floods coastal Spain
Local authorities said some towns and cities reported their heaviest rainfall on record
16H ago 
Pompeo blames Iran for strike on Saudi oil facilities
The attack likely will heighten tensions further across the Persian Gulf amid an escalating crisis between the U.S. and Iran over its unraveling nuclear deal with world powers
16H ago 
Afghan women fear their freedom is in jeopardy as Taliban talks resume
"You just sit and walk and look at the world and the city from the windows of your house," one woman said of what life was like under Taliban rule
20H ago 
Tropical storm warning lifted for weary Bahamas
The storm will likely take a sharp turn northeast away from coastal Florida
15H ago 
Condoleezza Rice says global "crisis" brewing because of populism
Rice, who served as secretary of state under President George W. Bush, said the U.S. should rely on "old principles" to confronting growing populism at home and around the world
7M ago 
Auto workers vow to strike at midnight if GM holds firm
United Auto Workers official says the union's General Motors workers will strike if the automaker "refuses to give even an inch" in contract negotiations
12M ago 
Jim Gaffigan on parents going "back to school"
It's that time of year when children's vacations end, as do their moms' and dads' vacations from parent coffees, school supply shopping sprees, and curriculum nights
1H ago 
Ailing veteran tells Bernie Sanders: "I'm gonna kill myself"
Navy veteran struggling to pay off his medical bills said he was contemplating suicide while speaking at a Bernie Sanders town hall
1H ago 
"Upholstery CSI": Preserving antique furniture at Colonial Williamsburg
Getting the period details just right is a mission for furniture conservator Leroy Graves, a detective of sorts who has revolutionized how museums preserve and protect upholstered antiques
1H ago
Condoleezza Rice says global "crisis" brewing because of populism
Rice, who served as secretary of state under President George W. Bush, said the U.S. should rely on "old principles" to confronting growing populism at home and around the world
7M ago
Ailing veteran tells Bernie Sanders: "I'm gonna kill myself"
Navy veteran struggling to pay off his medical bills said he was contemplating suicide while speaking at a Bernie Sanders town hall
1H ago 
Most Americans think climate change contributes to extreme weather events
Most Americans say climate change is happening and believe it contributes at least some to many extreme weather conditions
2H ago 
Most Americans say climate change should be addressed now – CBS News poll
Most Americans consider climate change to be at least a serious problem — including more than a quarter who say it is a crisis
updated 7M ago 
CBS News poll looks at young Americans views' on climate change
Most Americans of all ages think climate change is either a serious problem or a crisis
2H ago 
Entertainment
Producer Irwin Winkler on Scorsese, Stallone
As a producer, Irwin Winkler has shown "The Right Stuff," made a star of Sylvester Stallone with "Rocky," and had Martin Scorsese's back in the production of two undisputed classics: "Raging Bull" and "Goodfellas." Now, nearly 30 years after "Goodfellas," Winkler, Scorsese, and Robert De Niro are reuniting for "The Irishman," a film about Jimmy Hoffa, which also stars Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Ben Mankiewicz, the host of Turner Classic Movies, talks with the 88-year-old Winkler about his gangbusters Hollywood career.
updated 4M ago 06:59 
Irwin Winkler on a life in movies
The producer of such classics as "Rocky," "The Right Stuff," "Raging Bull" and "Goodfellas" has reunited with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro for "The Irishman"
1H ago 
Passage: Robert Frank and Eddie Money
"Sunday Morning' remembers a celebrated photographer who documented hardship and isolation in post-war America, and a Grammy-nominated singer known for pop hits of the 1970s and '80s
1H ago 
Angie Dickinson on Frank Sinatra, "Police Woman" and #MeToo
The actress speaks about a seductive career on screen, playing a cop, and sexism in Hollywood
1H ago 
Angie Dickinson on the Rat Pack, "Police Woman" and #MeToo
Angie Dickinson's film and TV career has been a half-century-long master class in the art of seduction. Mo Rocca talked with the star of the '70s hit "Police Woman," and such classic films as "Rio Bravo" and "Dressed to Kill," about becoming an inspiration for aspiring policewomen, her relationships with such stars as Frank Sinatra and Burt Bacharach, and the #MeToo movement. Originally broadcast on February 24, 2019.
updated 18M ago 09:30
Most Americans think climate change contributes to extreme weather events
Most Americans say climate change is happening and believe it contributes at least some to many extreme weather conditions
2H ago 
"Dark web" hackers could target gas pumps
The burgeoning "Internet of Things" connects consumers to the web through everyday devices — where hackers lurk
Sep 13 
California's "Uber law" to affect far more than Uber
Proposed law could change the working lives of truckers, house cleaners, janitors and even freelance writers
Sep 13 
Apple reveals updated iPhones, watch and Apple TV series
The company's annual product event comes as it's selling fewer and fewer iPhones
Sep 10 
Startup can mine people's data from LinkedIn profiles
Company called HiQ Labs wins court OK to scrape profiles on LinkedIn for data about people's lives and connections
Sep 9 
Nature up close: How an insect is key to grizzly bears' survival
The loss of a key food source – whitebark pine trees – to bark beetles can have a devastating effect on bears' ability to hibernate
Sep 14 
Protesters dangle from Houston bridge and close part of shipping channel
Sheriff's deputies said at a morning press conference that they would not attempt to force a rescue
Sep 12 
NOAA scientist rips "political" backing of Trump's Dorian claims
Craig McLean, NOAA's acting chief scientist, wrote an email to colleagues that called the agency's response "political"
Sep 9 
Company pledges to clean up oil from facility damaged by Dorian
Norwegian-based Equinor says it was unclear how big the spill was at its oil terminal on Grand Bahama
Sep 8 
Nature up close: Beavers, the master engineers
A keystone species for animals and plants, beavers are crafty builders who continually reshape parts of Wyoming's Snake River
Sep 7 
Kids with money and privilege more likely to binge drink
Many parents believe that if they make a lot of money, their kids will have a better life; but when it comes to binge drinking, the more money you have, the more susceptible your kids may be
3H ago 
FDA finds cancer-causing chemical in Zantac
U.S. agency found low levels of a "probable" cancer-causing chemical in Zantac and generic heartburn medications
Sep 14 
Teen with vape-related lung illness sues Juul Labs
According to the lawsuit, the 18-year-old had been vaping for about a year and a half but was recently hospitalized for severe lung damage
Sep 13 
Sackler family accused of hiding $1 billion in Swiss accounts
The transfers bolster allegations by New York and other states that the Sacklers worked to shield their wealth in recent years over fears of legal threats
Sep 13 
New research offers clues to the effects of vaping
According to the CDC, at least 380 people have had vaping-related illnesses
Sep 13
Auto workers vow to strike at midnight if GM holds firm
United Auto Workers official says the union's General Motors workers will strike if the automaker "refuses to give even an inch" in contract negotiations
12M ago 
$1.25 million toilet stolen from Winston Churchill's birthplace
Police said the toilet was taken early Saturday by thieves who used at least two vehicles
19H ago 
PG&E reaches $11B settement with insurers over California wildfires
The deal covers just half of the $20 billion insurance companies wanted, and needs to be approved by a bankruptcy court
Sep 13 
China tol lift punitive tariffs on U.S. soybeans and pork
The decision may be a possible goodwill gesture ahead of trade negotiations in October
Sep 13 
U.S. budget deficit surpasses $1 trillion
Gap between what the government spends and how much money it takes in reaches highest level since 2012
Sep 12 
The Hollywood Ripper: How "48 Hours" helped crack the case
Four young women attacked, only one survivor — inside the investigation and trial of the serial, sexual thrill killer
12H ago 
Expert: Serial murderers' victim selection "often very specific"
Forensic psychologist Kris Mohandie explains what drives serial killers like Michael Gargiulo
13H ago 
Dispute between parents leads to shooting at peewee football game
According to police, the son of one of the parents involved arrived at the scene with a handgun and started shooting
16H ago 
Black transgender woman Bee Love Slater found burned to death
The Human Rights Campaign said Bee Love Slater is the 18th transgender woman to be killed this year
20H ago 
Black transgender woman found burned to death
Investigators have identified the body of a transgender woman found burned in a vehicle in Florida. A candlelit vigil was held for 23-year-old Bee Love Slater. WINK's Gina Tomlinson reports.
19H ago 01:33 
Friday the 13th to get full Harvest Moon
Lucky us – the rare occurrence hasn't happened in 19 years
Sep 13 
Fire delays rocket launch to the International Space Station
It's not yet known when the HTV-8 cargo ship will be launched to the International Space Station
Sep 10 
India fails to land on the moon
India hoped to become the fourth nation to soft-land on the moon with their Chandrayaan-2 space mission. But their space agency, ISRO, lost communication with their lander just before the mission was complete. CBS News Space Consultant Bill Harwood joins CBSN to discuss the apparent failure.
Sep 12 05:43 
Indian spacecraft apparently crashes in moon landing attempt
India seeks to join the U.S., Russia and China as the only countries to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon
Sep 6 
Trump launches U.S. Space Command
President Trump held a Rose Garden event to commemorate the establishment of the U.S. Space Command Thursday, as the president pushes for the creation of his sixth branch of the military, the Space Force. CBS News' Bofta Yimam reports.
Aug 29 01:53 
Photographer Robert Frank 1924-2019
A look back at the work of one of the most influential of photographers who created intimate, moody portraits of an America struggling to define itself in a post-war world
Sep 10 19 photos 
Photos: Hurricane Dorian's devastation
"Everything's gone! Everything!" one woman said after Dorian slammed into the Bahamas
Sep 6 42 photos 
The most valuable NFL teams in 2019, ranked
Thanks to some pricey TV deals, a relocation, and brand-new stadiums, the NFL has never been more valuable.
Sep 5 40 photos 
Highest-paid NFL players in 2019, ranked
These are the NFL superstars who earn the most cash this season
Aug 29 50 photos 
Ashley Fallis death: A family's fight for justice
Was the Colorado mother's 2012 death a suicide, as her husband maintains, or was it murder, as her parents insist?
Aug 24 15 photos 
Popular
Nature: Chilean marine reserve
"Sunday Morning" takes us among sea lions and jellyfish near Chañaral Island, part of the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve off the coast of Chile. Videographer: Mauricio Handler.
updated 50M ago 02:44
Producer Irwin Winkler on Scorsese, Stallone
As a producer, Irwin Winkler has shown "The Right Stuff," made a star of Sylvester Stallone with "Rocky," and had Martin Scorsese's back in the production of two undisputed classics: "Raging Bull" and "Goodfellas." Now, nearly 30 years after "Goodfellas," Winkler, Scorsese, and Robert De Niro are reuniting for "The Irishman," a film about Jimmy Hoffa, which also stars Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Ben Mankiewicz, the host of Turner Classic Movies, talks with the 88-year-old Winkler about his gangbusters Hollywood career.
updated 4M ago 06:59 
Drinking culture and American kids
On America's college campuses, there are epidemics we talk about and those we don't. When sexual assaults or fraternity hazing deaths make headlines, court cases follow and new rules are enacted, but less attention is paid to an underlying issue – binge drinking culture. CBSN Originals explores how drinking to excess is not only considered normal, but cool, and how for many young people "blacking out" is less a rarity than an every weekend occurrence – with grave consequences.
Sep 5 23:34 
Jim Gaffigan goes "back to school"
It's that time of year when children's vacations end, as do their moms' and dads' vacations from parent coffees, school supply shopping sprees, and curriculum nights. Comedian Jim Gaffigan is not pleased.
updated 23M ago 02:18 
Passage: Photographer Robert Frank and singer Eddie Money
"Sunday Morning" remembers Grammy-nominated singer Eddie Money, known for pop hits of the 1970s and '80s, such as "Two Tickets to Paradise," and Robert Frank, a celebrated photographer who documented hardship and isolation in post-war America. Jane Pauley reports.
updated 23M ago 01:53
