United Auto Workers-represented workers at General Motors Co.'s Fort Wayne Assembly truck plant overwhelmingly approved a strike authorization vote over local issues at the plant, according to results Wednesday from Local 2209 representing workers there.

More than 70% of the voting workers approved a strike if it becomes necessary.

The vote came after local leadership and members took issue with the Detroit automaker laying off part-time temporary workers after the union and company didn't reach an agreement to extend their employment.

The union was also not happy about cut overtime hours at the plant building profit-rich Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The layoffs and reduced overtime resulted in managers stepping in to do work reserved for UAW-represented employees, Local 2209 Shop Chairman Rich LeTourneau previously told The Detroit News.

Following Wednesday's vote, LeTourneau said the union will continue meeting with GM to address the issues.

"They need to start going by the contract," he said. "Obviously 75% of this membership can't be wrong."

In a statement, GM spokesperson Kevin Kelly said: "We are continuing to meet with the UAW to discuss their concerns. As we have said before, the issues raised by the Local Union are not strikable."

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