WARREN (WWJ) -- While auto workers are bracing for a possible strike against the Big 3, so is the City of Warren.
WWJ's Charlie Langton reports that among the signs this week that a United Auto Workers Union strike is coming: Warren has given the green light for portable toilets in the city, which is home to several automotive plants.
Warren Mayor Jim Fouts said Monday that he was approached about signing off on allowing porta-potties to be set up on city property.
"We will allow them to use the porta-potties on public property between the sidewalk and the street," Fouts told Langton. "And I guess there will be some set out in front of General Motors. there'll be some surrounding Stellantis"
"Obviously, that is something that has to be taking place when workers are going to be marching, standing outside for hours on end," the mayor said.
With a potential strike against Ford, GM and Stellantis just days away, others who rely on the auto industry for their livelihoods are wondering what the future holds.
Billy Braxton, who works with steel parts supplier Sodecia in Warren, is concerned about the strike deadline set for Thursday, Sept. 14, at 11:59 p.m.
"Since we are suppliers, we'll have to cut down to either one shift, two shifts or no shifts at all." Braxton said. "So, right now there's no word. I just got done talking to my union chairman, and he's just waiting on everybody else's word, the UAW... waiting on the final say so."
As for where things stand with negotiations, WWJ's Jeff Gilbert said Stellantis announced that is has reached tentative agreements in a number of important areas. This includes health and safety, which the company says is of critical importance.
Reporting late Monday morning, Gilbert said Stellantis was preparing to send a counteroffer to the UAW, while an email to employees stated that they were on a good path and remain committed to reaching a tentative agreement and avoiding a work stoppage.
Meanwhile, UAW President Shawn Fain says if there are not agreements in place by the Thursday deadline, then there will be strike by around 146,000 UAW members against all three companies.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 for continuing coverage.