New General Motors union in Mexico seeks 19.2% wage hike

The new independent labor union at General Motors’ largest plant in Mexico is looking for a 19.2% wage boost, due to increasing inflation, and the U.S. automaker has countered with an offer of 3.5%, according to the head of the union SINTTIA.

The automaker has not confirmed the percentage of its counter-offer but said its upcoming meeting with the union is on Thursday, where it hopes to finalize a deal for the plant in the central city of Silao, forestalling a May 31 deadline for workers to strike.

SINTTIA’s Secretary General, Alejandra Morales, referred to the automaker’s counter-offer as “a slap in the face” at a time when workers are cutting back to deal with rising prices, noting many mid-level employees earn about $3 an hour.

SINTTIA made its 19.2% proposal when talks started in March.