UAW Comments on DaimlerChrysler 'Turnaround Plan' Announcement

    DETROIT, Jan. 29 The following was released by the UAW:

    "The 'turnaround plan' announced today by Chrysler Group underscores the
importance of the job and income security protections we negotiated with
DaimlerChrysler in 1999," said UAW President Stephen P. Yokich.
    "The UAW has a long history of negotiating contracts designed to protect
our members, their families, and their communities from cyclical and
structural changes in the market," Yokich said.  "We have been down this road
before, and we are confident that our current contracts with DaimlerChrysler
will provide our members and their families with economic security during this
difficult period."
    "Our contracts with DaimlerChrysler will be fully enforced," said UAW Vice
President Nate Gooden, who directs the UAW DaimlerChrysler Department.  "By
working together within the framework of the national agreements, we are
confident that we can improve the future prospects for UAW DaimlerChrysler
workers and the Chrysler Group."
    UAW President Yokich and Vice President Gooden will be attending
DaimlerChrysler meetings in Germany in February to further ensure that the
rights and interests of UAW-represented workers at Chrysler Group are fully
understood and protected.
    UAW agreements with the Big Three automakers have long included extensive
job and income security provisions that protect the pay and benefits of idled
workers.  The contracts also provide retirement benefits that are among the
best available to hourly workers anywhere in North America.  The contracts
also contain provisions that have allowed for enhanced retirement benefits
under similar circumstances in the past.