UAW agrees to concessions with Chrysler

DETROIT, April 26 (UPI) -- Autoworkers agreed Sunday to accept contract concessions with Chrysler LLC, a condition of more U.S. government financing for the automaker, officials said.

The deal between the United Automobile Workers and the company includes an alliance with Italian automaker Fiat SpA, The New York Times reported. Details of the agreement were not released, although it reportedly cuts Chrysler's payments for retiree health care.

The 26,000 UAW members working for Chrysler are expected to vote on the concessions by Wednesday.

"We recognize this has been a long ordeal for active and retired auto workers, and a time of great uncertainty," UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said. "The patience, resolve and determination of UAW members in these difficult times is extraordinary, and has made it possible for us to reach the agreement we will present to our membership."

The Canadian Auto Workers Union said its members overwhelmingly approved cuts in benefits Sunday.