CLEVELAND — The picket schedule is out, the signs have been delivered, and members of the United Auto Workers Local 1005 in Cleveland are just waiting for word on whether or not they're part of the auto strike if the union and Detroit automakers don't make a deal come 11:59 p.m. Thursday.
"The members in the plant are willing to sacrifice for what we deserve. These corporations are making millions and billions of dollars in profits off our backs. We went ahead and helped bail them out, not only as taxpayers but as employees. We gave concessions years ago," UAW Local 1005 President Dan Schwartz said.
On Wednesday afternoon, UAW President Shawn Fain said offers from the automakers aren't enough and the union is getting ready to strike. In an online address to members, Fain said General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have raised their initial wage offers, but have rejected some of the union's other demands.
“We do not yet have offers on the table that reflect the sacrifices and contributions our members have made to these companies,” Fain said. “To win we're likely going to have to take action. We are preparing to strike these companies in a way they've never seen before.”
On Sept. 7th, General Motors came out with an offer including 10 percent pay raises, a $5,500 dollar ratification bonus, plus a $6,000 dollar one-time inflation recognition payment.
It also mentioned eliminating two quote "progression steps" which the company says reduces the time to get to the maximum wage rate by 25%, but that tier system is part of what the UAW wants completely eliminated.
"We want to eliminate tiers, we want everybody to be on the same page, the same level. Double-digit, we're asking for raises, substantial and we want what is fair to us, you know, these CEOs are giving themselves huge double-digit raises," Schwartz said.
UAW Local 1005 aren't the only group of autoworkers waiting to potentially strike, it's workers for all the Big 3 automakers in Detroit: Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. Fain argues their record profits should mean record contracts during this round of negotiations. That means raises, but also instituting cost of living adjustments or COLA along with the opportunity for a better work/ life balance.
"There are some plants where you know employees are forced to work seven days a week, 12 hours a day. They get vacation time but they can't use it because they have to work," Schwartz said.
Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter gave the following statement to 3News about the possible strike and its potential impact on his city:
“Parma is a GM town. The city only purchases GM products, including vehicles for our police and fire departments. My personal vehicle a GMC Acadia. Our Parma Metal Center is one of our largest employers, and through municipal income tax, supports city operating costs. I know GM values the work being done in this city because it has recently made significant investment in the plant ($46.8 million).
“City officials and I have a great working relationship with both UAW 1005 and GM management. We remain hopeful that meaningful dialogue between the two parties will lead to a mutually beneficial agreement."
The Associated Press contributed to this story