The United Auto Workers (UAW) union plans to announce more strikes at General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis plants if significant progress is not made in negotiations by noon ET Friday, according to UAW President Shawn Fain’s announcement on Monday night.

The initial strikes targeted assembly plants of the “Big Three” Detroit automakers, resulting in approximately 12,700 workers participating in picket lines.

Fain stated in an online video released by the union that the deadline for progress is noon on Friday, September 22nd. The decision to initiate additional strikes is based on the outcome of negotiations with the companies. The union has met with each automaker since the targeted strikes began on Friday.

Fain clarified that “serious progress” is required to avoid further strikes, rather than a tentative agreement. However, the union did not provide a specific definition of what constitutes “serious progress” aside from reaching a tentative deal.

Currently, workers from GM’s midsize truck and full-size van plant in Wentzville, Missouri; Ford’s Ranger midsize pickup and Bronco SUV plant in Wayne, Michigan; and Stellantis’ Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator plant in Toledo, Ohio are on strike.

The UAW strategically selected these plants as part of their targeted strike plans, conducting unconventional negotiations simultaneously with all three automakers. The work stoppages are referred to as “stand-up strikes,” paying homage to the historic “sit-down” strikes of the 1930s.

Fain introduced the concept of a “Stand Up Strike” as a new approach to striking. Rather than striking all plants simultaneously, select locals are called upon to “Stand Up” and walk out on strike. If progress is not made in negotiations and the automakers fail to bargain in good faith, more locals will join the strike.

Targeted strikes typically focus on key plants that can disrupt production at other plants due to parts shortages. While not unprecedented, the UAW’s method of conducting these strikes is atypical.

Ford and Stellantis have yet to comment on the new “deadline,” while GM released a general statement expressing their commitment to bargaining in good faith for the benefit of their team members, customers, suppliers, and communities across the U.S.

The decision to proceed with additional strikes comes despite automakers offering record proposals to the union. These proposals include approximately 20% hourly wage increases, substantial bonuses, retention of platinum health care, and other improved benefits.

Key demands from the UAW include 40% hourly pay increases, a reduced 32-hour workweek, a return to traditional pensions, the elimination of compensation tiers, and the restoration of cost-of-living adjustments, among other items.