National and local contracts between the United Auto Workers and the three largest American carmakers expire Sept. 14, but ?there?s no real strike threat at the national level,? said Rob McKenzie, president of UAW Local 879 at Ford?s Twin Cities Assembly Plant.

The increasing market share of Asian manufacturers, most of whose plants are nonunion, means a strike could do irreparable damage to American carmakers, he said. In addition, UAW leaders believe a strike would send the wrong message to suppliers that the union is trying to organize, McKenzie said.

Health care, wages, pension, and job security are the major issues in national negotiations, he said. Ergonomics issues, job-posting procedures and work rules are key topics in St. Paul, McKenzie said. Local 879 represents 1,960 workers at the Ford plant.

Reprinted from the Union Advocate newspaper. Used by permission.