Caterpillar's union workers authorize strike if needed

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Updated: February 1, 2011 5:32AM

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — Union members at Caterpillar Inc. facilities in Illinois and three other states have authorized the United Auto Workers to strike if necessary.

The UAW says the vote is not a reflection of how negotiations are going, and it expects to reach a deal by the time the current contract expires in March.

The union said in a news release Sunday that members at plants in Illinois, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Tennessee approved the strike authorization by a 94 percent majority.

The union said the vote is a normal part of negotiations.

The contract covers workers in Peoria, Aurora, Decatur and Pontiac in Illinois as well as in York, Pa.; Denver; and Memphis, Tenn.