A strike by more than 1,700 mechanics at 130 dealerships across the Chicago area entered its third day Thursday with little sign of movement from either side.

The walkout has stalled major auto repairs at affected dealerships but most still remain open, said David Sloan, president of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, a dealers group that also runs the Chicago auto show.

"Dealerships are trying their best to keep things going," Sloan said. "They're rescheduling some bigger jobs but trying to keep smaller jobs continued. They're making the best of a bad situation."

Active picketing is widespread across most of the 130 unionized dealerships, part of 420 new-car dealerships in the Chicago metro area, but there have been reports that some mechanics have opted out of picketing due to a "respect" for the owner, Sloan said.

Sloan said the dealerships have made no negotiation moves, and neither side has any clear idea as to when the strike could end.