Chrysler Workers OK Pact by Small Margin

Local union members narrowly ratified a United Auto Workers contract covering 66,000 Chrysler Corp. workers on Wednesday, according to union officials.

The contract was approved nationally by about 54% of those voting at local union halls in 15 states, said union officials who spoke on condition that they not be identified.

The UAW officials said the contract was rejected at several large locals, including Detroit’s Jefferson Avenue assembly plant and Mound Road engine and a stamping plant in Sterling Heights.

Union officials said the narrow margin apparently stemmed partly from rank-and-file displeasure over the size the $1,000 signing bonus included in the contract, which also established job-protecting provisions similar to those in effect at General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co.

Chrysler’s 3,500-worker Warren Truck plant approved the contract with 65% in favor, Local 140 President Gil Wojcik said.

“I’m flabbergasted. I thought it would pass by a wider margin,” said Wojcik, chairman of the 10-member bargaining committee that negotiated the contract.

“Every segment of our union was protected in this agreement and I’m astonished that it passed with such a low margin,” he said.