Because it's in better financial shape, DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group won't get the same health care concessions that Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. got from the United Auto Workers, the union's president said Thursday. Chrysler officials have said that concessions similar to those given to GM and Ford are essential for the company to remain competitive. Chrysler has said it spent $2.2 billion on health care last year and expects that number to grow to $2.3 billion in 2006. The automaker's health care costs have nearly doubled since 2000.
See "UAW: No Deal With Chrysler on Health", Associated Press, The New York Times, September 7, 2006