Chrysler contract approval in doubt (4th large plant rejects deal)

[Lone_Star_Dem]

Source: The Detroit News

DETROIT -- Ratification of a proposed four-year contract with Chrysler LLC appeared in jeopardy Sunday as a majority of UAW workers at the Jefferson North plant in Detroit rejected the proposal that calls for a two-tier wage system and creation of a union-run health fund for retirees.

The rejection Sunday was the fourth by a large assembly plant since voting began last Thursday, despite an unprecedented lobbying campaign by top United Auto Workers leaders to convince voters to accept the contract. The campaign included UAW President Ron Gettelfinger's visit to Jefferson North's Local 7 last week.

So far, with about a third of the locals reporting results, at least six -- representing more than 11,000 workers -- have said no to the deal, and at least eight others -- representing nearly 6,500 workers -- have approved it.


At Jefferson North, with 2,200 eligible voters, 56.7 percent of 1,100 production workers and 79.5 percent of 195 skilled trades workers rejected the contract, local officials said.

Read more: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071022/AUTO01/710220360