UAW Extends Chrysler Talks, Focus Turns To Ford

William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

September 23, 2011

The United Auto Workers have finished their first contract negotiation with General Motors last Friday. Now, Chrysler and Ford go for their turns with the UAW.

Chrysler and the UAW have agreed to extend contract negotiations for an additional four weeks. Previously, the two had a one week extension to hammer out a new deal. The negotiations are centered around a new wage and benefit pack that will impact around 23,000 workers.

This four week extension will help the UAW focus more on the most difficult negotiation, Ford. The UAW wants the blue oval to give back many of the concessions that union workers made in 2007 and 2009 due to money problems. The concessions include a wage freeze and a stop on any cost of living increases. Ford on the other hand wants to increase profit sharing and bolster its signing bonus to workers.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Hope they settle quicker as well...