UAW ratifies new labor agreement with Chrysler

[rickaren]

UAW ratifies new labor agreement with Chrysler

October 26, 2011



The United Auto Workers said its members have ratified a new labor agreement with Chrysler Group.

With agreements just reached with Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co., the Chrysler agreement looks to give the domestic industry four years of labor peace.

The agreements also pave the way for the UAW to focus on trying to organize U.S. factories operated by overseas automakers, especially in the southern tier of the country, which has grown into an automotive manufacturing region that rivals Detroit and the Midwest.

The Chrysler "agreement adds 2,100 new UAW jobs which, together with jobs added at GM and Ford, mean more than 20,000 direct manufacturing jobs will be added to our economy," said UAW President Bob King.

The UAW represents 26,000 Chrysler workers, including 3,000 salaried employees, at 48 Chrysler facilities in the United States, making vehicles and components with the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mopar and Ram Truck brands.

“No one involved in the bargaining process leading to this agreement could forget about our near death experience slightly more than two years ago and the second chance we were given by the American and Canadian taxpayers. The faith that was placed in us then has been fully repaid,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO. “This agreement is a credit to our workforce and the UAW leadership. It recognizes the significant contributions they have made toward our continuing recovery. It rewards them for the current and potential future success of the company while ensuring Chrysler Group will be able to remain competitive.”


SOURCE