The United Auto Workers and automakers returned to the bargaining table this weekend but aren't making much progress, according to the union.

"Progress is slow and I don't really want to say we're closer," UAW President Shawn Fain told MSNBC on Sunday morning.

Talks resumed on Saturday following the launch of an unprecedented strike against the Big Three automakers — Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, Jeep and Ram. Fain said they plan to continue negotiations on Sunday and Monday.

On Friday, about 13,000 workers at three Midwest plants walked off the job after the auto companies failed to reach a deal with the union on pay, pensions and other benefits. The 3 plants on strike assemble some of the automakers' most popular vehicles including Ford Broncos and Rangers, Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, and Chevrolet's Colorado and the GMC Canyon.

"It's a shame that the companies didn't take our advice and get down to business," Fain said on Sunday. "They did what they always do, they delayed until the very end, to the last week, and then they want to get serious about this."

This week, Julie Su, the acting labor secretary, and Gene Sperling, a White House senior adviser, are expected to arrive in Detroit to help with negotiations.

The strike currently involves less than 9% of UAW membership at the three companies. But more workers could go on strike at a moment's notice, depending on how negotiations go.

Ford and GM announce hundreds of temporary layoffs

About 600 workers at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant's body construction department and south sub-assembly area of integrated stamping were told not to report to work on Friday because the components they produce require e-coating. According to Ford, e-coating is a protection measure completed by the facility's paint department, which went on strike.

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