UAW, American Axle continue labor talks

DETROIT, April 12 (UPI) -- Talks aimed at ending the contract strike by union workers at American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. are to continue through the weekend, the Detroit company said.

The auto parts maker this week rejected a contract offer by United Auto Workers union negotiators, saying it lacked concessions needed to end the stalemate, which has idled some General Motors plants because of parts shortages.

Company spokeswoman Renee Rogers said American Axle countered the offer, but declined to disclose specifics of the company's proposal, the Detroit Free Press reported Saturday.

More than 3,600 workers at four UAW-represented American Axle plants walked off the job in February over complaints that the company wanted to cut wages and benefits without substantiating the need to do so.

The Chicago Tribune reported American Axle said it has been paying workers $73.48 an hour in wages and benefits and is seeking a rate of $20 to $30, which they said is more in line with competitors.