The United Auto Workers (UAW) announced on Monday that it would be expanding its strike against General Motors (GM) to several new areas as the nationwide work stoppage enters its second week.
The UAW said the walkout will now include GM manufacturing sites in Lansing, Mich., and Bowling Green, Ky., and several parts distribution centers around the country. The move follows last week’s expansion of the strike to new GM plants in Kansas City, Mo., and Toledo, Ohio.
The strike began on September 16 after the union and the automaker were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. The UAW’s roughly 49,000 members are demanding better wages, job security, and improved healthcare benefits.
The union has also called on GM to hold off on the closure of four US factories as part of its restructuring plan. GM has said that the closures are necessary to stay competitive in the global market.
The expanded strike could put further pressure on GM to reach a deal, although the company said it has contingency plans in place to continue production and has been able to maintain operations at some affected locations.
The strike continues to affect several other businesses, including parts suppliers, and a resolution is not expected anytime soon.
