The United Auto Workers union is approaching a crucial moment in its contentious contract negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers — deciding whether to zero in on one company and, if so, which one. Why it matters: UAW negotiators are working with all three companies now. The union usually targets a single company around Labor Day to set the bar for possible deals with the other two. If a deal isn't reached, workers for the targeted company typically strike. Driving the news: UAW President Shawn Fain's literal trashing of Stellantis' latest proposal Tuesday raised speculation it could be the target company. What they're saying: "If you're really looking for clues about who [Fain's] likely to pick, you keep coming back to Stellantis," U of M business professor Erik Gordon tells Axios. Yes, but: The UAW is not conceding that it's leaning toward Stellantis. When contacted by Axios Wednesday, the union reiterated comments Fain made in July: "The Big Three is our strike target."