[Image Source: NYT]

By Gunnar Heinrich

When union negotiations break down and most of the company's workforce goes on strike, it's got to come as a nastier surprise than getting 10 speeding tickets in the mail.

So, short of launching a melee of four-letter cuss words in response, one's best recourse is to a) find restrained language with which to respond and b) to not say much.

Well, General Motors' P.R. people followed those two guiding principles to the "T" in the following press release that was issued after the UAW took a walk.

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FOR RELEASE: 2007-09-24

GM statement regarding UAW work stoppage

We are disappointed in the UAW's decision to call a national strike.

The bargaining involves complex, difficult issues that affect the job security of our U.S. work force and the long-term viability of the company. We are fully committed to working with the UAW to develop solutions together to address the competitive challenges facing General Motors.

We will continue focusing our efforts on reaching an agreement as soon as possible.

- End

[Source: GM]