Mechanics Strike Across Chicagoland

More than 1,700 auto mechanics at nearly 130 car dealerships in the Chicago area went on strike Tuesday after rejecting a contract proposal from the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and overwhelming voting to walk out.

The strike began at midnight as a deadline to agree on a new contract passed without a deal for a new three-year labor agreement with the Automobile Mechanics Local 701 union.

A spokesperson for the car dealerships said a final offer was presented Sunday that included raises of five percent "almost across the board" over the next few years, WBBM reported. The trade association includes more than 400 dealerships, according to its website. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Chicago — or other area communities. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

The mechanics union said it has made concessions to management when the economy was struggling, and now it wants a better deal, according to WGN. Workers are seeking a guaranteed 40-hour week, while new car dealerships want to stay competitive with franchise repair shops.

So what to do you if you need repairs while the Mechanics Local 701 is on strike? Check in with the service shop to make sure it's open, or check out the list of every Chicago area car dealership on strike beginning Aug. 1:

Photos courtesy Egwuekwe LaToya