KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Wednesday was day three of the United Auto Workers strike and there was still no agreement between the union and General Motors.
The union is arguing for better pay, more jobs and affordable health care among other items.
On Wednesday, several people donated food, water and other items as the more than 2,000 members formed picket lines at the GM Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas.
As the hours ticked away, Park University Economics Professor, Stephen Bell said the impacts of the strike are minimal.
"If the strike doesn't last very long it's going to be considered just a little blip on the radar screen, it's not going to be something that has a long-term impact," he said.
However, if there's no compromise and the strike lasts for months, it's a different story.
"I think you're looking at a pretty substantial ripple effect across the economy in regard to spending cuts and people saying, well I'm getting a little nervous about it, I think I'll just postpone that purchase, and of course that causes a downward spiral in total spending in the economy," Bell said.
An extended strike may cause layoffs and slow the economy down to a recession, according to Bell. General Motors loses around $77 million a day.
But if you're worried about buying a brand new GM vehicle right now, you shouldn't have a problem, Bell said.
"Parts and actual finished automobiles have been inventoried in preparation for a possible strike," he said.
There are other side effects to the strike, as other businesses who make products for GM will also be taking a hit.
It's unclear when the strike will end.
