UAW ratifies new Chrysler contract

By a wide margin, members of the United Auto Workers union approved the new contract with Chrysler Wednesday night. The union said 82 percent of production workers, 80 percent of skilled trades, 94 percent of the engineers and 90 percent of the clerical employees voted for the agreement.

The new agreement will give the UAW 55 percent ownership of Chrysler, though it will not give the union operating control of the company.

In a statement, union President Ron Gettelfinger said, “This has been a challenging time filled with anxiety and uncertainty for our membership. Our members have responded by accepting an agreement that is painful for our active and retired workers, but which helps preserve U.S. manufacturing jobs and gives Chrysler a chance to survive.”