DETROIT — The United Auto Workers union said Sunday it chose Fiat Chrysler as its target company in ongoing contract negotiations with Detroit automakers.

Fiat Chrysler now becomes the focus of bargaining and could be hit with a strike if negotiations stall. A deal with FCA will also set a general pattern for contracts at General Motors and Ford.

All three companies officially kicked off bargaining for new four-year contracts in July. The current contracts expire today but likely will be extended. The contracts cover around 140,000 U.S. factory workers.