UAW reps meet to discuss opening contract

DETROIT, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- United Auto Workers leadership gathered in Detroit Wednesday to discuss opening their contract up to negotiations as automakers face possible bankruptcy.

Union representatives convened a meeting at 10 a.m., but said it was unclear whether or not they would vote on the issue, which would then be forwarded for a vote to the union's 139,000 members, The Detroit News reported.

Detroit's Big Three automakers are headed to Washington Thursday to ask for as much as $34 billion in loans they say are needed for their survival. General Motors Corp. has submitted a business plan that includes shuttering nine plants and eliminating 31,000 jobs, the News reported.

Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler have each said they need to discuss union givebacks. Chrysler's plan calls for "meaningful concessions from each of its major constituents," the News said.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said he would hold a press conference late Wednesday morning.