WENTZVILLE, Mo. — The United Auto Workers strike against General Motors is expanding after both sides failed to reach a tentative agreement today. This comes after successful negotiations with Ford and Stellantis. Their tentative agreement would still need to be approved by union leaders and ratified by members.
Striking workers at the GM plant in Wentzville say now that Ford and Stellantis have a tentative deal with UAW—they're hopeful they'll be next.
Jimmy Lovelace has spent nearly two decades working at the plant, he says he's holding the line to follow his father's footsteps.
"Hopefully it's not too much longer, it's going to be cold here in not too long. You have to hold out to get what you need and what's right," Lovelace said.
Rain or shine, workers are holding the line.
But on Saturday, UAW's International President Shawn Fain announced they failed to reach a deal with General Motors.
GM released the following statement regarding the negotiations:
"We are disappointed by the UAW's action in light of the progress we have made. We have continued to bargain in good faith with the UAW, and our goal remains to reach an agreement as quickly as possible."
The Union says workers at GM's plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee will now walk off the job. GM Wentzville stamps parts for that location and the Fairfax plant in Kansas City Kansas.
Emotions are high in Wentzville as Saturday marks Day 44 of the strike.
Sterling Thomas says he's holding the line so his children have a brighter future.
"It's kind of frustrating. I'm ready to get back to work with my union brothers and sisters but we're going to fight a good fight until it gets done," Thomas said.
Marvin Thompson an employee at GM Wentzville says good things take time.
"When you're trying to get everyone happy about one thing....it takes time," Thompson said.
Workers only receive $500 a week in strike pay. But Jimmy Lovelace says nearly a decade at the plant prepared him to save his money for a rainy day.
The longer contract negotiations go, the longer the financial burden is.
"It's not impacting me greatly yet but at the same time you know it's still forgoing a paycheck every week that I'm used to having," Lovelace said.
Pamela Mason serves as the financial secretary for UAW Local 2250, echoes what many others want.
"It would be nice to be inside during the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays but if not, we will hold the picket line and stay strong and stand strong," Mason said.
Click here to view Ford's tentative agreement. Click here to view Stellantis' tentative agreement.
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