Chrysler's labor negotiations accelerate

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Detroit Free Press (via USA Today)

By Katie Merx

With momentum growing toward ratification of the United Auto Workers' proposed contract with General Motors, the union is ramping up negotiations with Chrysler.

Talks at the automaker's Auburn Hills headquarters are expected to intensify over the weekend, while those at Ford Motor have virtually stopped, people familiar with the negotiations said Friday.

Harley Shaiken, a professor at the University of California at Berkeley who specializes in labor issues, said Ford and Chrysler will want to make at least minor changes to the pattern set in GM's deal.

"I suspect the UAW went to Chrysler, because it seemed Chrysler would be the best place to adapt the pattern first," he said.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2007-10-06-chrysler_N.htm