International Says UAW Taking ‘Break’ from Talks

International Truck and Engine Corp. said Friday it has been notified by the United Auto Workers that the UAW will “take a break from bargaining” in order to conduct a detailed examination of International's proposals.

International — which makes heavy- and medium-duty trucks, and primarily medium-duty engines — said it was “disappointed” in the union’s decision.

“We are disappointed in the union's decision to break because timely resolution of these issues is critical to our union plants,” said Jeff Bowen, International’s vice president of human resources. “Changes we've proposed are already in place at other UAW-represented manufacturers in our industry.”

Negotiations most recently began on Aug. 27, and have proceeded until the UAW’s decision to take a break to take this break. UAW-represented employees have continued to work without a contract since the prior contract expired Monday.
 
The two sides agreed earlier this week to keep talking — and union members to keep working —as the union’s contract with International’s parent company, Navistar International Corp., expired.

The UAW represents 3,700 workers at nine U.S. Navistar plants. The UAW’s Web site made no mention of the break as of Friday. Its latest notice, dated Monday, had a notice that talks were continuing.