Work in progress

Sunday's UAW agreement "provides the framework needed to ensure manufacturing competitiveness and helps to meet the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Treasury Department," said Al Iacobelli, the chief bargainer for Chrysler. "As a result, Chrysler LLC can continue to pursue a partnership with Fiat." Chrysler has been struggling to come to such an agreement for weeks in the face of resistance from union members, who argue that they already have made more significant concessions than such other stakeholders as the banks that are the primary holders of Chrysler's debt. But in the face of a potential bankruptcy, it was the unions that stood to lose the most. "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," UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said Sunday.