UAW, American Axle reach deal that could end strike

Thompson also said he worries about the impact this contract could have on future contracts for all UAW workers.

"If we pass it, it will make people look funny at us: 'Did you do everything in your power to win, or did you just give up the fight?'" Thompson said.

Skilled trades worker Doug Sherrill, of Macomb County's Macomb Township, said Saturday that union workers are skeptical.

"We're happy we got a tentative agreement, but is it going to pass? The way people feel around here is it's going to be a tough sell," Sherrill said.

UAW workers were picketing Saturday, and plan to continue until an agreement is ratified, but they are feeling the pinch of living on strike pay for nearly 12 weeks, non-production worker Leo McGucki said.

"There's a lot of people hurting," McGucki said, a Warren resident who has worked for American Axle for nearly 13 years.

Still, Thompson said the workers know what's at stake.

"This is our livelihood we're talking about. We can't take that lightly," he said.

It took an offer of a $200 million infusion from GM earlier this month to increase the offer to help reach the agreement.

UAW Local 235 President Adrian King would not comment on specifics. He said the deal was hard-fought and the best the union could do under the current economic circumstances and amid company threats to move work to other countries.