4-13-08: American Axle Makes New Offer to UAW, union rejects Federal mediator

From Omaha Steve at Democratic Underground via Money (4/13/08):

DETROIT (AP) — Striking United Auto Workers union members are considering a new contract offer from American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. as bargaining continues through the weekend.

About 3,600 UAW members at five American Axle plants in Michigan and New York went on strike Feb. 26 against the auto parts maker, which demanded steep pay cuts.

American Axle spokeswoman Renee Rogers says company bargainers gave the UAW a new contract proposal Saturday. She says bargainers are returning to the table Sunday.

The six-week strike has caused parts shortages that have closed or curtailed work at 29 General Motors Corp. factories, affecting about 39,000 hourly employees.

The Associated Press left a message with the UAW Sunday seeking comment.

Also shared by Steve, from Money (4/13/08) :

DETROIT -(Dow Jones)- American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. (AXL), dealing with a seven-week-old strike at five of its U.S. plants, said it requested a federal mediator to help with negotiations, but that the United Auto Workers union refused to allow it.

American Axle said it was disappointed in the UAW's decision.

A UAW spokesman wasn't immediately available for comment.

American Axle, in a statement Sunday, said it requested a federal mediator from the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service "to assist in the company's ongoing negotiations with the UAW. AAM had hoped that the involvement of an impartial third party at the bargaining table could assist both sides."