Local Chrysler union backs new labor agreement

[Omaha Steve]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20111022/D9QH49900.html

Oct 22, 12:20 AM (ET)

DETROIT (AP) - A Detroit-area union is supporting a new labor contract with Chrysler Group, giving the agreement a boost after "no" votes at other key locals.

An official at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant says 53 percent of those voting supported the new contract. The plant employs 2,400 assembly workers who make the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 200.

Chrysler and the United Auto Workers reached the agreement last week, but it must be ratified by workers.

The UAW isn't releasing votes from individual plants, so it's unclear how close the contract is to passing. But progress has been bumpy, with large locals in Belvidere, Ill., and Warren, Mich., rejecting the agreement. Voting ends next week.

Chrysler's contract is less generous than those already ratified by workers at General Motors and Ford.