Posted by
Greg Mattok on Thursday, December 04, 2008 2:44:59 AM
The union of the U.S. automobile industry has expressed willingness to
abandon a number of key benefits to help the three largest automakers
receive a package of emergency aid from the government amounting to 34
billion dollars.
Companies General Motors, Chrysler and Ford
promise to significantly reduce production costs, but that they needed
the support of the union.
In particular, the union agreed to
make changes to the system, in which laid-off workers continue to
receive a portion of his salary, as well as to defer payments to union
health fund.
President of the Union of automobile Ron
Gettelfinger said that he had no choice. "Let's look at the millions of
jobs that will be lost in this country, if we lose this industry" -
said Gettelfinger.
He also expressed his disagreement with
Washington policy of "double standards", which in his opinion, revealed
that the U.S. administration has provided financial sector aid package
of 700 billion dollars, but rejected the initial request for assistance
from the representatives of the automotive industry.
In addition to reducing costs, automakers promise to reduce its debts, as well as invest in "green" technologies.
Leaders of companies Ford and General Motors offered to work for a
salary of one dollar a year if the U.S. Congress will approve the aid
package.
General Motors asked Congress to provide a loan of
12 billion dollars with the ability to provide an additional 6 billion
if necessary. Ford asks for 9 billion, and Chrysler - 7 billion