To me, this whole thing is playing out like this...
1. Gotta go on strike to prove that the UAW is relevant even though there is corruption.
2. GM breaks tradition and goes to the media with the 2% raises and bonuses and also leaks that they wanted hourly to pay 15% health care. But, in reality, the UAW and GM both want that out there so everyone will believe the UAW "fought" for 3% raises and untouched health care.
3. UAW and GM both want the strike to be long enough so when the tentative agreement is announced, everyone will be chomping at the bit to get back to work. Another reason the strike will not be over until there is a "yes" vote.
4. There will be some path for temporary workers to become permanent though it will require many hoops and time along with very vague language. This is evident by the picket signs that have been seen lately that say "Path to permanent employment." UAW isn't gonna print that on their signs unless it's already a done deal.
Not normally a conspiracy theory kinda guy but this was probably a done deal awhile ago. Both the company and the union knew that because of the corruption, members were probably going to vote no on the first offer no matter what. Set the bar low with the "leaked" original offer, show them how much they need the UAW by striking, get them behind on some car and house payments, show them something that looks better than what they read in the paper, and presto, a yes vote.
And by the way, Ford and Chrysler, you just better vote yes too unless you want to go out for a month and end up with the same offer.