Yesterday the president of the United Auto Workers Ron Gettelfinger told representatives from General Motors that as the lead company in the current contract negotiations local unions should prepare for a strike.

Bargaining as a representative for approximately 190,000 workers, UAW representatives are working on contracts with the Detroit Big Three that expire at the end of business today.

Traditionally the unions select a target for a potential strike during contract talks and then work out a deal with that automaker, using the agreement as a blueprint for contracts with other carmakers.

Contracts between the UAW and Chrysler LLC and Ford Motor Co. were extended, with GM singled out for potential strike action.

In an email sent to union members yesterday and disclosed by Reuters, Cal Rapson, UAW vice president wrote, "We are continuing to meet with the corporation and expect to put in long hours between now and the deadline."

Major talking points include reform to health care responsibilities on the part of the automakers as well as concessions that would serve to lessen the labor cost gap, approximately $20 per hour, between US and Japanese automakers.

"There is still much to be done and difficult issues to tackle," Rapson said. "We are fully focused on reaching a tentative agreement that meets the needs of our active and retired members."