DETROIT (NEWSnet/AP) — Auto workers are voting overwhelmingly to give union leaders the authority to call strikes against the Detroit 3 car companies if a contract agreement isn’t reached.

The United Auto Workers union said Friday that results are still being tallied, but so far 97% of the members in those contracts have voted in favor of authorizing one or more strikes against Stellantis, General Motors and Ford.

Such votes are almost always approved by large margins.

Contracts between the union representing about 146,000 workers at Stellantis, General Motors and Ford expire at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 14. While contract talks with the Detroit Three began in July, UAW President Shawn Fain has consistently said the companies aren’t bargaining seriously.

Fain has said the union hasn’t picked a company as a strike target, and it could target all three.

In a statement Friday, the UAW said the vote does not guarantee that a strike will be called.

The companies have said they’re bargaining in good faith.

The UAW is seeking a 40% pay increase, restoration of pensions for new hires, elimination of wage tiers and other items. Fain has often told workers they have to be ready to strike in order to achieve gains from the profitable automakers.

The union also wants to represent joint venture electric vehicle battery plants being built by the companies, and is seeking top union wages at those factories.

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