Chrysler Idles 1,700 Workers as Strike Spreads

Chrysler Corp. idled an additional 1,700 factory workers as the effects of a United Auto Workers’ strike against a Detroit engine plant spread. Separate negotiations continued to end strikes at Chrysler’s Mound Road, Mich., engine plant and at the General Motors Corp. assembly plant in Oklahoma City. The strike by 1,800 Chrysler workers began Thursday. On Friday, the No. 3 domestic auto maker shut production at four truck and van assembly plants, affecting 12,080 workers in the Midwest and Canada. The strike has virtually halted production of Dodge Ram and Dakota pickups, Dodge Ram vans and Jeep Grand Cherokee sport-utility vehicles. The strike was called over local plant issues.