UAW talks with American Axle as strike deadline looms

DETROIT -- A strike deadline at American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. looms late tonight as marathon UAW negotiations continued through the day. The supplier has prepared for a strike by stockpiling axles and other parts mainly for key customer General Motors. A strike would idle about 3,600 UAW-represented workers at five U.S. plants. American Axle wants concessions that would halve current hourly wages and benefits from $60 an hour. Spokeswoman Renee Rogers said talks are continuing but declined further comment. A UAW official said he expected the parties to extend the contract so that a strike could be at least temporarily avoided. The official asked not to be named. The Detroit driveline maker is looking for concessions similar to those provided by the UAW to the