A top economist who watches the auto industry predicted Tuesday that the United Auto Workers union will not go on strike against any automaker this year. But just a few months before negotiations are set to begin on a national master contract, Center for Automotive Research Chief Economist Sean McAlinden said the Detroit Three must gain parity on wages and benefits with their Asian competitors in order to survive. While McAlinden predicted a general strike will not happen this year, he said wildcat strikes at key plants are possible.
See "Economist says auto strike unlikely in contract year", Tom Krisher, Chicago Tribune, February 20, 2007