THREE RIVERS — There is a new optimism on the picket lines at American Axle after one of the nation's largest automakers offered to pay up to help get striking workers back on the job.

Late Thursday afternoon, General Motors announced it will pay $200 million to help production start back up again.

3,600 American Axle workers went on strike 10 weeks ago. Most work at the company's Detroit plant, but about 700 are employed at the Three River's plant.

The strike has crippled GM's production and forced several local companies, including AM General's H2 plant and Nylon-Craft in Mishawaka, to temporarily lay off workers.

According to a government records, GM intends for the money to be used to give temporary payments to buffer reduced wages for American Axle workers and fund employee buyout and early retirement packages.

It's not the final deal many on the picket line were hoping for, but most say it's a step in the right direction because it could put them back to work.

Mike Bultema has worked at the Three Rivers plant for 30 years, including 16 years when the plant was owned by GM. American Axle bought the operation in 1994.

He says life on the picket lines has been tough.

"It's been a pretty long 10 weeks," he said.

Bultema and other striking workers are earning just $200 in strike pay per week, and say it's been hard to get by.

That's why, when he heard about GM's offer, he was shocked, but pleased.

"It looks like GM is trying to end this," he said. "It's kind of a surprise. I did not expect it since we've not been General Motors here for 14 years. But General Motors can't afford to lose any market share. And they very much need the parts. So, maybe our strike has had some impact then."

Because of that, Bultema says he's "cautiously optimistic" that this could signal that a deal is imminent.

"It's a positive step," he said. "Whether or not it will bring an end result? I'm hopeful at this point."

Union leaders agree, but remain slightly more cautious about calling it a "deal maker."

"Absolutely, it's a positive step," said United Auto Workers Local 2093 Quality Representative Mark Bidelman. "But we're still looking for the same thing we have been: a fair wage and benefit package."

Bidelman says UAW negotiators have agreed to accept "concessions" or lower wages, but that workers at the plant can't live on what he says the company has proposed: 50-60% pay cuts.

As for the $200 million from GM?

Some worry it simply won't be enough to make up the difference without American Axle chipping in a larger share, too. Bidelman says that's the company's duty to its workers, after it brought in big profits in recent years.

American Axle spokeswoman Renee Rogers says she's "cautiously hopeful" that GM's offer will help the two sides reach the same goal.

"We hopeful we can obtain a quick return to work," she said. "That's a win-win-win for American Axle, the workforce and the UAW. We are hoping that the parties can quickly reach agreement to bring an end to this terribly costly and disruptive strike called by the International UAW against AAM."

Still, workers on the picket lines aren't holding their breath. But, after 10 weeks of walking, any glimmer of hope is priceless.

"I'm optimistic," said Bultema. "More optimistic than I was earlier in the week!"

Labor talks will continue Friday morning in Detroit. Any potential deal must be ratified by rank and file members before workers could return to their jobs.