Chrysler Workers: Will They or Won't They?

Chrysler Workers: Will They or Won't They?

By Michelle Krebs October 22, 2007

Another close race is brewing as Chrysler’s union workers vote on a new contract.

United Auto Workers union members at six Chrysler plants representing 11,000 workers rejected a tentative contract reached with the automaker. Plants rejecting the deal include those at Chrysler’s giant Jefferson North Jeep plant in Detroit. Those workers want firm commitments for future models at its plants, similar to what General Motors workers got in their contract. Chrysler is unable to give such assurances, as its new owners and new management team are revamping the future product plan.

Workers at another eight plants representing 6,500 workers have voted in favor of the contract. The remainder of Chrysler plants will vote through Wednesday.

If the contract is rejected, negotiators from both sides will head back to the bargaining table.

Meantime, Ford execs are awaiting their turn for negotiations, which have been put on hold until contracts with GM and Chrysler were settled. GM workers approved their new contract.

Michelle Krebs:  is Editor-in-Chief of AutoObserver.com. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.