Talks Between Union, GM Grind On for 4th Day

DETROIT, Sept. 18 -- Talks between General Motors and the United Auto Workers continued Tuesday, said GM spokesman Tom Wickham.

Negotiations went from midmorning through Tuesday evening before recessing for the night, Wickham said at 8:45 p.m. It was the fourth day of bargaining since their contract was set to expire.

Negotiators were optimistic, but progress was slow as bargainers dealt with the details of a major health-care agreement and changes to plant work rules, said a person briefed on the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were private.

In a letter sent Monday night to local union leaders, Ron Gettelfinger, UAW's president, and his bargaining team said they may establish a firm deadline if the talks don't accelerate. Because they have been extending their contract on an hour-by-hour basis, GM workers could strike at any time.

"We have made progress in many areas of the discussions with GM but there are several major issues separating the parties that must be resolved," said the letter, which was obtained by the Associated Press.

Wickham declined to comment on the letter.

The UAW chose GM as the lead company in the negotiations last week. Under the union's practice of pattern bargaining, the UAW is expected to reach an agreement with GM and then ask Ford and Chrysler to accept similar terms.