The United Auto Workers has reached a tentative contract agreement with DaimlerChrysler, which it will use as a model in continuing negotiations with General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said that the union is satisfied with the conditions of the agreement. Industry analysts said both sides understood that compromise in areas such as wage and pension would be necessary considering that U.S. market share for GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler is at an all-time low, and foreign competition a serious threat.
See "DaimlerChrysler, UAW make a deal", Chicago Tribune, September 14, 2003