Auto workers consider
concessions

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The United Auto Workers union is offering to do its part to help save the Big Three Automakers from the money meltdown.
UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said, "The important thing is to secure these jobs."

It's about preserving jobs and saving an industry, said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, as his union is ready to once again consider further give backs to the Big Three auto makers.

Gettelfinger said, "The word 'concessions?' I used to cringe at that word, but now why hide from it? That's what we did."

To help convince Congress to approve as much as $34 billion dollars in bridge loans to General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, the auto workers union is considering suspending a program that lets laid off workers continue to receive most of their pay. The union may also let the big three delay payments into a healthcare fund for retired workers. Now, says one western New York UAW leader, Congress has to do its part.

Kevin Donovan said, "What I'd like to see is Washington to get off their butts like they did for the banks and insurance companies and keep American workers working."

Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York) said, "As we know well here in western New York, where there are 8,400 good paying auto jobs, we cannot let this industry go under, go bankrupt."

The UAW says it's not to blame for the problems of the auto industry or the economy, and should be recognized for the concessions it made in '05 and '07.

Auto industry expert Art Wheaton said, "They negotiated a two tier wage so that all new hires would be paid almost half of what the current members are making."

Meanwhile, Big Three officials are promising to cut costs and executive pay, and to rush more fuel-efficient cars onto dealer lots if Congress agrees to the bailout.

One high ranking official from Chrysler said the auto industry is "on the brink," and that if one car company fails, it could trigger a depression.

A Senate panel will hear from executives Thursday.