General Motors strike sends ripples across economy raising recession fears

General Motors Co. strike has shut down most of its North American plants and idled 46,000 workers

Here in the heart of America’s car industry, car parts have nowhere to go.

Eighty-five tractor trailers full of hoods, bumpers and other assorted parts sat, unloaded, in Lansing, Michigan, this week -- more evidence of the cost of the General Motors Co. strike that has shut down most of its North American plants and idled 46,000 workers.

Soon to enter its fourth week, the strike is rippling across the economy, from parts suppliers in Michigan and Canada to bars, restaurants and other businesses that serve employees who now find themselves tight on cash. The layoffs have added to fears that a