The battle between GM and the UAW appears to be heating up as a new report is claiming the union is considering a no-confidence vote against CEO Mary Barra.
According to sources who talked to the New York Post, union officials have discussed the possibly of holding a no-confidence vote as a way to put pressure on Barra and the automaker. While it would be largely symbolic, the move would express the union’s frustration with the negotiations and the company’s decision to shutter plants across the United States.
While sources have suggested a vote isn’t imminent and isn’t certain to happen, some officials reportedly believe Barra is sensitive to bad press and the threat of a no-confidence vote could push her to act.
Also Read: GM Employees Strike After Failed Trade Union Negotiations
That remains to be seen, but some officials reportedly believe Barra was responsible for reversing GM’s decision to cut health insurance for striking workers as a way to avoid bad press. As one source explained, “Internally, there was this theory to stop looking at GM as a corporation and start looking at Mary, because they got the win on health care. And it was her decision.”
Regardless of what happens next, the strike has been going on for 17 days and analysts believe it has already cost the automaker more than $1 billion (£809 / €911 million). That’s a lot of money and the impacts of the strike are expanding as GM has been forced to stop production of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in Canada and Mexico.
The union hasn’t said much about the talks recently, but earlier this week they confirmed “GM passed a comprehensive proposal … across the bargaining table.” However, UAW Vice President Terry Dittes said the proposal didn’t satisfy the demands and needs of the workers and noted “There were many areas that came up short like health care, wages, temporary employees, skilled trades and job security to name a few.”
