UAW backs down, Chrysler asks for loonies

Canada’s Globe and Mail reported today that Chrysler Canada had asked the federal and Ontario governments for $1 billion (Canadian) in loans to survive through the current crisis. One quarter of Chrysler’s manufacturing is done in Ontario, with all minivans and rear-drive cars currently built there.

In other news, following what can best be described as a negative reaction by pundits, politicians, and American people, UAW head Ron Gettelfinger has now stated that, while the UAW has already made substantial concessions to bring American union labor costs down, it might consider further reductions if needed to gain government assistance for GM, Ford, and Chrysler. While not making any offers, he did say “The UAW is at the table.”