Chrysler Deals to End Dodge City Wildcat Strike

02/20/96

Reuters reported that Chrysler is negotiating with with the UAW to end a wild cat strike that began Saturday. Workers walked off the Dodge City production line Saturday, forcing the giant automaker to cancel a nine-hour production shift. The workers struck when the corporation fired two UAW leaders for ordering a Dodge City shutdown on February 9. Dodge City assembles Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota pickups and has been running overtime as a matter of course to keep up with consumer demand.

The firing and the consequent walk-out have occurred as automakers and autoworkers are preparing to negotiate their next three-year contract. The union is expected to seek provisions that limit automaker's ability to take work away from unionized employees by shifting parts-production to outside suppliers. Currently Chrysler buys 70% of its parts from outside suppliers.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel