Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Workers demonstrate at Chrysler tech center

Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News

About 300 union-represented white-collar workers walked off the job at Chrysler's technical center in Auburn Hills around 11 a.m. today.

The employees are gathered on a grassy area in front of the compounds main office tower waiting for their union leadership to speak via a bullhorn. The union is passing out hot dogs and boxed lunches.

One worker who didn't wish to be identified for fear of repercussions said the walkout was to protest the pace of contract negotiations and potential outsourcing of jobs held by UAW Local 412 members.

The United Auto Workers contract with automakers expires Friday. Health care costs are at the forefront of negotiations as car companies seek to shift administration of benefits from the employers to the UAW.

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