DETROIT (NEWSnet/AP) — Progress has been made in negotiation between the striking United Auto Workers union and Detroit's three auto companies, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Another source said discussion has progressed with Jeep maker Stellantis, somewhat less at Ford and General Motors. Neither person wanted to be identified because they aren't authorized to speak publicly about the bargaining.

Union President Shawn Fain will provide an update Friday regarding bargaining, in hopes of ending a 3-week strike.

Report of progress raises the possibility the union may decide not to expand walkouts at one or more of the companies. The union has limited the strike to about 25,000 workers at five vehicle assembly plants and 38 parts warehouses.

Ford said Tuesday it had increased its offer to the union on Monday night, but provisions made public by the company were close to previous offers. The company said its seventh offer raised the general wage increase to over 20% over four years without compounding. It also said the company raised its 401(k) retirement contributions and confirmed profit sharing was offered to temporary workers. Those workers also would see a pay raise from $16.67 per hour to $21.

Ford was spared from the second round of strikes, and its parts warehouses remain open. Stellantis was exempted last week, when the union added assembly plants at Ford in Chicago and GM in Lansing, Michigan.

So far the union has avoided strikes at large pickup truck and SUV factories, vehicles that are responsible for much of the automakers' profits.

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