For the first time, the UAW is on strike against the Big 3 U.S. automakers at once. Workers at three plants have been called out so far, with more to follow Friday if there's no progress on a deal.
There are several ways the unprecedented United Auto Workers strike could hit the economy, but it will depend on how long the strike lasts and how many plants are affected, among other factors.
General Motors CEO Mary Barra said the company would halt production on small EV at the end of the year — shifting the plant in Orion Township, Mich., to make two new electric truck models instead.
The ventilators will be delivered to the national stockpile by August. The contract, worth nearly $500 million, is the first ventilator order placed using the Defense Production Act.
General Motors has already started working with a ventilator company, Ventec, to help it expand production of the essential medical equipment. Now it might start building the devices itself.
The UAW, the autoworker's union, had been pushing for a two-week shutdown because of worker concerns. Plants will be shut down at least through March 30.
The two companies expect to create more than 1,100 jobs in northeast Ohio. The new plant will be built near GM's Lordstown facility that was shuttered earlier this year.
Jones has been the target of a federal probe of alleged corruption in the UAW. The union is also linked to an alleged bribery scheme, according to a lawsuit filed by GM against rival Fiat Chrysler.