1. a) How many General Motors autoworkers went on strike yesterday?
b) When was the last time the UAW (United Auto Workers) went on strike during negotiations?

2. Define the following as used in the article:
--free trade, paragraph 1
--protectionism, para. 1
--outsourcing (of jobs), para. 2
--negotiations, para. 3
--circumspect, para. 11
--advocating, para. 11

3. What is the main reason for the UAW's strike?

4. a) What percent of the American car market does GM have?
b) GM once had 60% of the American car market. Mr. Wapshott blames this on competition from cars made by less expensive labor abroad.
Some would argue that the mechanical quality of foreign cars is better than American made cars (they run better/longer), while acknowledging that American cars are more comfortable, have better accessories and nicer designs. What do you think: For what reason do Americans buy fewer American made cars (cost, quality, etc.)? Ask a parent the same question.

5. This article focuses on the Democratic presidential candidates having to choose definitively between supporting free trade or protectionism. How does Sen. Clinton's view of free trade contrast with that of President Clinton when he was in office?

6. Which Democratic presidential candidate is the most "pro-protection"?

7. Workers are not striking over pay or current retiree benefits.

Figures on the GM website indicate that without benefits, the average hourly worker takes in $82,534.40 per year, or $152,380.80 when factoring in such items as health care and five weeks of vacation.
GM currently has $51 billion in health-care expenses for retirees and their family members.
Opponents of UAW say that the pay, health-care and other benefits cannot be sustained by the company. Workers say they are just getting what they deserve. Do you think that the government should support protectionist laws or free trade? Explain your answer.