Fiat, UAW agree to labor deal
DETROIT — A tentative contract agreement reached Tuesday between the United Auto Workers and Fiat Chrysler addresses pay and health care issues, but neither side would give specifics about the pact.
The Italian-American company and union announced the accord covering about 40,000 workers nationwide after 48 hours of bargaining. It will serve as a template for Fiat Chrysler’s Detroit counterparts, General Motors and Ford, both of which are operating on contract extensions.
But UAW President Dennis Williams made it clear that he would treat the other two differently because they are more prosperous.
Union officials still must be briefed on the four-year package, then the full membership will vote on it.
At a news conference Tuesday, Williams said the agreement meets the union’s goals but still keeps Fiat Chrysler competitive with other automakers. The UAW and began bargaining in July with Ford, GM and Fiat Chrysler. Contracts with all three companies expired Monday.
