UAW-DaimlerChrysler Pact Expected Today

The United Auto Workers union is expected to announce today the ratification of its deal with DaimlerChrysler. Although UAW officials had not reported the results yet, industry sources familiar with the vote said 70% to 80% of the union’s 75,000 members at DaimlerChrysler were well on their way to approving the four-year pact. DaimlerChrysler spokesman David Barnas said on Sunday that the auto maker had not yet heard from the UAW and declined further comment. The UAW’s deal with DaimlerChrysler provides workers with an upfront $1,350 lump-sum payment and 3% wage increases in every year of the contract, in addition to cost-of-living increases, improved pensions, increased tuition assistance and job security.