The UAW is seeking a four-year, eight-month contract with the Detroit 3 that would expire on May 1, 2028 — International Workers’ Day — according to people familiar with the union’s thinking.
The symbolic date, also known as May Day, celebrates the achievement of the international labor movement and would shift contract negotiations to the industry’s robust spring selling season. It would also change the dynamic of any potential strikes in northern states, taking away the risk of workers freezing on picket lines in cold weather.
A UAW spokesman declined comment.
The proposed pact also includes more than 40 percent raises for hourly workers, including 20 percent raises upon ratification followed by 5 percent raises each September for four years, according to the sources who requested anonymity to discuss the negotiations.
The union is also seeking a reduced workweek, cost-of-living adjustments, pensions, expanded retiree benefits and a jobs bank-like program to pay workers if they get laid off.
The current contract expires Sept. 14.
