General Motors and the United Auto Workers union have reached a tentative contract agreement that could end a six-week-old strike against Detroit automakers, two people briefed on the deal said Monday.

The global shortage of semiconductors has forced General Motors and Ford to further cut production at their North American factories as chip supplies seem to be growing tighter.

The General Motors strike now entering its fourth week is rippling across the economy, from parts suppliers to bars, restaurants and other businesses that serve employees who now find themselves tight on cash.