http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/30/uaw-obama-detroit-business-washington-unions.htmlBrian Wingfield, 03.30.09, 07:00 PM EDT
The administration's plan for Detroit does few favors for the UAW.
WASHINGTON, D.C.--The United Auto Workers union has an unlikely opponent: President Barack Obama.
The UAW spent nearly $5 million to help get Obama elected, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Now, the Obama administration will seek further concessions from the union as General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ) and Chrysler come up with their newest viability restructuring plans.
UAW officials won't comment on the administration's action, announced Monday. But Obama himself seems to realize the severity of the situation in which he's placing unionized autoworkers, many of whom will almost certainly lose their jobs as the companies undergo dramatic changes the next two months.
"While the steps I am talking about will have an impact on all Americans, some of our fellow citizens will be affected more than any others," the president said in a somber White House press conference Monday. "I cannot promise you there isn't more pain to come. But what I can promise you is this--I will fight for you."
To make amends, Obama named Dr. Edward Montgomery, a dean at the University of Maryland and former Labor Department official, as his emissary to help auto-manufacturing states deal with job loss.
FULL story at link.
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