50 000 GM workers strike in the US

General Motors and the United Auto Workers Union have restarted negotiations earlier after nearly 50 000 members went on strike against the US automaker. According to an International Business Times report, this is the first time in 12 years that the workers have walked out of the factories. Increased hourly pay, a better share of the profits, health care benefits and job security are the main demands of the workers. The permanent workers want to limit the number of temporary workers employed. The temporary workers want a clearer career trajectory, which can lead to permanent employment in the long run. Union leaders claim that when GM was facing bankruptcy, the workers took steps to help the company bounce back. Now that the auto company is making profits again, the employees want a greater share of the profits. The last strike by the plant workers was back in 2007 and it lasted only three days. However, there have been strikes in the past which have lasted for months.

Full International Business Times report