Photos: GM auto workers strike across the US

Nearly 50,000 walked off the job in the biggest action by UAW workers in more than decade. The union is seeking higher pay and wants GM to keep more US plants open.

Nearly 50,000 US auto workers walked off the job across the Midwest and South today in the first full strike against General Motors in 12 years.

Photos show United Automobile Workers union members demonstrating outside plants in states like Kentucky, Michigan, and Texas. Stalled contract negotiations with America’s largest carmaker spurred the work stoppage, which halted all production in the US and could go on to affect operations in Canada and Mexico.

Talks resumed after the strike began early this morning. UAW negotiators, whose contract with GM expired over the weekend, are looking to increase wages, which have been barely risen since 2010 and have actually fallen when adjusted for inflation.

UAW members picket at the General Motors Flint Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Picketers outside the GM plant in Flint.

UAW Local 2250 members demonstrate outside the GM plant in Wentzville, Missouri.

Striking workers outside the GM plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Kelly McKinnon, fellow workers and their supporters outside the GM facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.

The picket line outside the GM plantin Hamtramck, Michigan.

Gary Allison with other UAW members picketing outside the GM plant in Arlington, Texas.