Michigan auto workers denounce Chrysler-UAW concessions

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Workers leaving the Chrysler Truck plant in Warren Michigan this Tuesday



By Andre Damon
29 April 2009

The United Auto Workers announced on Tuesday the results of its negotiations with Chrysler and the Obama administration. The contract revisions include massive concessions in every area. (See, “Contract betrayal will give UAW majority ownership in Chrysler”)

Details of the contract emerged less than 24 hours before voting is scheduled to begin. Before Tuesday, workers had heard nothing from the UAW, and many workers were outraged at being left in the dark.

Al, a worker at the Warren Truck Assembly plant in Michigan, asked: “How do they expect us to vote on a contract that we haven't heard anything about? This is a decision that is going to change the lives of tens of thousands of auto workers, and we’re not even being given a chance to know what’s in it. We need at least a week; they want to cut our retirement plans by half and we’re getting 12 hours to think about it.”

Greg, a worker at nearby Sterling Heights Assembly, said: “I think this is a scandal. They are trying to scare people into taking buyouts. I think the people who head the UAW don't care anymore. Their pockets are getting full.” He said that he expects the contract to pass regardless, because “everybody is afraid of losing their jobs.”
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SEE MORE INTERVIEWS WITH WORKERS AT LINK
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/apr2009/ints-a29.shtml