By Sharon Silke Carty DETROIT -- The United Auto Workers has told local union leaders at General Motors sites to be prepared to strike if a contract isn't reached by 11:59 p.m. today. Local union leaders will be told at 10 p.m.

DETROIT _ The UAW has selected General Motors Corp.

A United Auto Workers negotiator vowed this weekend in Michigan that healthcare costs facing retired autoworkers will remain stable next year.