AP: American Axle strike hits 2 more General Motors factories

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D906FL3G2.htm

By TOM KRISHER

DETROIT

As the strike at American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. lingers into its eighth week, workers on the picket line and even the president of the United Auto Workers say the longer they're out, the better the settlement they will expect.

The strike, which has slowed production of General Motors Corp.'s pickup trucks and SUVs and is starting to affect car factories, could drag on even longer.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said during the weekend that the pace of negotiations has been "excruciatingly slow," which he says is the company's strategy.

"We are not close to a settlement," he said Saturday night.

Workers interviewed on the picket lines at American Axle's Detroit complex last week said they wouldn't accept a contract with big concessions after striking for such a long time.

"It would be stupid," said James Keevis, an electrician who has been with American Axle for 13 years. "We'll wait it out."

FULL story at link.