Facts & figures

Unionized employees: General Motors — 17,550 Ford — 12,140 DaimlerChrysler — 11,600

Total: 41,290

Hourly wages: Range from $31.54 (assemblers) to $37.55 ( electricians)

Issues: Pensions, wages, job and income security, time off work and labour cost reductions

Contracts: Current three-year agreements expire at midnight Sept. 20

Strike targets: Ford or DaimlerChrysler

Last strike: General Motors in 1996 for 22 days