Chrysler contract ratified by UAW members

BELVIDERE, Ill., Oct. 27 (UPI) -- United Auto Workers ratified a national labor agreement with Chrysler LLC on Saturday, following a final vote from union members in Illinois.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said that while the proposed agreement was opposed by union members in Belvidere, Ill., the union overall agreed to ratify the Chrysler contract, The Detroit Free Press reported.

"Our members had to face some tough choices, and we had a solid, democratic debate about this contract," Gettelfinger said. "Now we're going to come together as a union -- and now it's on the company to move ahead, increase their market share and continue to build great cars and trucks here in the U.S."

Chrysler President Tom LaSorda praised the passage of the labor deal by union members, citing its ability to allow the U.S. manufacturer to adequately compete with its foreign rivals.

"We are pleased that our UAW employees recognize that the new agreement meets the needs of the company and its employees by providing a framework to improve our long-term manufacturing competitiveness," LaSorda said.