UAW sees ‘good progress’ on key issues to try to resolve GM strike

(Reuters) – The United Auto Workers union said on Friday it had made progress on some key issues as it works to try to reach a contract with General Motors Co (GM.N) to resolve a nearly three-week-old strike that has idled 48,000 workers.

The UAW said late Friday it had made “good progress” on health care and the status of temporary workers but still has unresolved issues like “wages, job security, skilled trades and pension.”

Talks will continue over the weekend in an attempt to reach a deal.

The GM strike began Sept. 16 with workers seeking higher pay, greater job security, a bigger share of the leading U.S. automaker’s profit and protection of healthcare benefits.

Analysts estimate the strike has cost GM over $1 billion, while LMC Automotive estimated on Thursday GM has lost production of 118,000 vehicles through Oct. 2.

Earlier this week, the strike forced GM to halt production at its pickup and transmission plants in Silao, Mexico, resulting in temporary layoffs of 6,000 workers.