In a press conference last Tuesday, the United Auto Workers Chief, Ron Gettelfinger expressed his hopes that the strike launched by the union on Monday may settle the dispute with GM on issues of job security and retiree health benefits faster.

In an interview on Detroit WJR-AM 760 radio station, the UAW chief realizes that there are risks involve when calling for a strike but it does not signal the end for the union as well as for GM. Gettelfinger added that the union did not want to pursue the strike but did so because the progress of the negotiations are being one sided, not for them but for the automaker.

"Obviously, we did not want to strike but that's what was required," Gettelfinger said.

"In many ways, it may be a good thing because it will bring an end to this thing quicker, we hope."

The job security was the top unresolved issue on the bargaining table. GM, as part of its restructuring program for its U.S operations is considering lowering its labor cost to be in line with its foreign competitors. The automaker had closed plants and had cut thousands of jobs rendering unemployment to other UAW members.

With the goal of reaching an agreement for the two parties, Gettelfinger said that the talks will still continue.

"But it takes two sides to be willing to do that," he said
"We realize there's risk here, but by the same token, I feel like we were pushed into a strike." Gettelfinger added.

According to Gettelfinger, the UAW representatives had been negotiating responsibly to reach a good contract and the people will know that if they already have come up with a new contract.

"We've moved in areas that the company never even thought we would consider," he said, adding, "But we went in there knowing that we were going to do some things differently. It's just unfortunate that they didn't meet us halfway and then we'd move on with life."

The UAW chief also claimed that the strike is a result of the two parties both falling short in the talks and he is also not considering the strike as a sign that ends both GM and the UAW.