UAW calls off American Axle rally, cites progress in talks

By DEE-ANN DURBIN, AP Auto Writer

Tools

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Apr 16, 2008 at 6:25 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 16, 2008 at 10:59 PM EST

DETROIT (AP) — The United Auto Workers union on Wednesday called off a planned rally in support of striking workers at American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc., saying it was making progress in talks with the auto supplier.

The rally was scheduled to take place this Friday in downtown Detroit. Wendy Thompson, a labor activist and former president of a UAW local in Detroit that represents American Axle workers, said UAW officials told workers that the union is making progress so the rally was delayed.

Several messages seeking comment were left with the UAW Wednesday.

American Axle spokeswoman Renee Rogers said negotiations were ongoing Wednesday evening and were expected to continue Thursday.

The UAW, which represents 3,600 workers at American Axle, has been on strike against the company's five U.S. plants for nearly two months.

The UAW has been considering a new contract offer from American Axle since Saturday. American Axle wants to cut wages to become competitive with other parts makers.

General Motors Corp. is American Axle's largest customer, and the strike has affected 30 GM plants including a handful in Indiana as well as a Hummer plant run by AM General LLC in Mishawaka, Ind.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
Countdown to Digital TV:

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 21
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Wheel of Fortune
7.30
Jeopardy!
8.00
NCIS
9.00
The Mentalist
10.00
Without A Trace
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman

Question of The Day

Do you think Notre Dame should keep Charlie Weis?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • Yes
  • No