Union for 1,300 Workers at DaimlerChrysler Plant in Mich. Call for Strike After Contract Expires

REDFORD, Mich. November 9, 2004; The AP reported that the union for 1,300 hourly workers at DaimlerChrysler AG's Detroit Diesel plant called a strike Tuesday, more than a week after their previous six-year contract expired.

Detroit Diesel workers formed a picket line Tuesday night outside the suburban Detroit plant.

Employees had begun refusing overtime once the contract expired Oct. 30 and the company had responded by putting workers at the Redford plant on mandatory 9-hour shifts, workers said.

DaimlerChrysler spokesman Chris Brandt said contract talks continued with United Auto Workers Local 163. He has declined to discuss issues in the dispute.

Detroit Diesel designs, produces and maintains heavy-duty diesel and alternative fuel engines, auto diesel engines and engine-related products.

Detroit Diesel once was a division of General Motors Corp. Private investors bought it in 1988, and then sold the company to DaimlerChrysler in October 2000. This is the UAW's first contract negotiation with DaimlerChrysler for Detroit Diesel.

DaimlerChrysler AG: http://www.daimlerchrysler.com

United Auto Workers: http://www.uaw.org