GM workers in Kansas begin strike

KANSAS CITY, Kan., May 5 (UPI) -- United Auto Workers began a strike Monday at a General Motors Corp. plant in Kansas City, Kan., over job selection and seniority issues, union officials said.

Workers from UAW Local 31 walked away from the assembly line that produces the Chevrolet Malibu, one of the company's best selling models, The Detroit News reported.

The plant also produces the Saturn Aura, the Detroit Free Press reported.

GM spokesman Dan Flores said the company was "disappointed" the union decided to strike.

The local's Web site says disputes continue over "management placement without regard to seniority, inter-department transfers, job selection" and other issues.

"General Motors left us with NO alternative after ALL weekend meetings and NO progress to speak of," a statement on the Web site says.

GM is also trying to settle a strike at a Lansing, Mich., Delta Township plant, which makes the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and the Saturn Outlook.

The Lansing strike began April 17.

Three other GM plants have also threatened the company with strikes.

Union workers in Warren, Mich.; Wyoming, Mich.; and Mansfield, Ohio, have threatened strikes, if contract disputes cannot be settled quickly, the Free Press reported.