Navistar strike could affect Atlanta workers

INDIANAPOLIS - International Truck and Engine Corp. said it would allow its contract with the United Auto Workers to expire at midnight Monday, which could lead to a strike affecting more than 7,000 workers in Indiana and other states.<br> <br> The contract was due to expire Oct. 1, but negotiators agreed to an indefinite extension during talks in Louisville, Ky. Either the company or the union could end the extension with 24 hours notice. International&#39;s parent company, Navistar, gave that notice Sunday.<br> <br> &#34;We regret that despite three months of intensive negotiations, including a three-week extension and involvement at the highest levels of both organizations, we still have not been able to reach an agreement to help build short-and long-term strength for the business,&#34; Dan Ustian, Navistar president and chief operating officer, said in statement.<br> <br> &#34;Our priority continues to be to meet our customer commitments, which is ultimately in the best interest of customers, shareowners and employees.&#34;<br> <br> UAW officials could not immediately be reached for comment Monday morning.<br> <br> Navistar spokesman Tony Page said he expected &#34;business as usual&#34; Monday since the contract extension would not expire until midnight.<br> <br> Negotiations on a new agreement that would cover about 7,100 production, maintenance, clerical and technical workers began in July.<br> <br> In Indiana, International employs 1,028 unionized workers at an Indianapolis plant that produces truck engines, primarily for Ford Motor Co. Another 446 union members work at a subsidiary foundry, Indianapolis Casting Corp. In Fort Wayne, Navistar operates a truck engineering center.<br> <br> The agreement also covers workers at Navistar sites in Melrose Park, Ill.; Springfield, Ohio; Atlanta, Dallas and Baltimore.<br> <br> Navistar is based in Warrenville, Ill. The company is a leading producer of mid-range diesel engines, medium trucks, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles.<br> <br>

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