CNN: Chrysler, GM Aim To End Union Job Banks

[Omaha Steve]

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200901231729DOWJONESDJONLINE000899_FORTUNE5.htm

January 23, 2009: 05:29 PM ET

(Updates with statement from Chrysler)

By Jeff Bennett and Sharon Terlep

Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

The United Auto Workers will end its jobs-bank program at Chrysler LLC, effective Jan. 26, while General Motors Corp. (GM) is in talks with the union about a similar deal.

The UAW alerted local union presidents at the third-largest U.S. auto maker via a letter delivered this week, according to a union official who asked not to be identified because the letter isn't public.

In a statement, Chrysler said it "continues to work closely with its UAW partners to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in the government loan agreement. Discussions with the UAW will continue as we jointly work together to meet the timing deadlines established."

GM confirmed its own discussions with the UAW.

Ford Motor Co. (F) spokeswoman Marcey Evans had no comment on whether the company was talking to the UAW about its jobs bank.

However, Ford has insisted that it wants to share in any of the concessions granted to the other automakers.

Ford has not yet taken a loan from the government.

FULL story at link.

[John1956PA]

1. I posted in another thread that I think GM is pro-Republican.

As I mentioned, I am an avid Ford fan, and I will probably get flamed by some fine DUers who drive Chevys. However, in my area in Western Pa, if I spot a truck with a conservative bumper sticker, its make is usually Chevy. Also, when those silly trailer hitch decorations were popular about a year ago (you know, the ones that looked like scrotums) those which I saw were almost always dangling from Chevy trucks. Finally, I will note that a few times last year when I had the fortitude to stomach listening to bits of Hannity's radio show, I heard commercials boasting the "You're a great American" promotion which GM entered into with Hannity's show.