Chrysler deal reminiscent of GM
TEXT OF INTERVIEW
Doug Krizner: Yesterday’s auto-workers strike against Chrysler was over in just six hours. There are reports the two sides had a tentative deal after the first hour of the walkout. Was it for show? And more importantly, did the union get what it wanted?
Let’s bring in Katie Merx, she covers the auto industry for the Detroit Free Press. Katie, did Chrysler workers get a deal similar to the union’s agreement with GM?
Katie Merx: It sounds like it. The General Motors deal included a detailed list of product plans and opportunities for 55 of their 82 U.S. facilities for the next several years. And people that I’ve talked to about the Chrysler deal believe they may have gotten a similar type commitment, which can make people see that while they’ve given up benefits that they’ve had in the form that they’ve had them up until now, that there at least will be a job for them.
Krizner: From here, we move on to Ford motor. What are the expectations there?
Merx: At this point, nobody’s sure what to expect. Ford’s an even tougher place than Chrysler and General Motors appears to be right now, and have been saying that they need some extra help from the union. They also just hired Alan Mullally from Boeing and paid him a whopping sum, which has irritated some of the rank-and-file members of the union.
Krizner: Katie Merx covers the auto industry for the Detroit Free Press. Hey Katie, thanks so much for speaking with us.
Merx: Thank you.
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