UAW winds up negotiations with GM, Delphi

DETROIT (Sept. 19)—The United Auto Workers said Sept. 18 it had reached agreements with General Motors Corp. and Delphi Corp. Earlier in the week, it made similar announcements regarding DaimlerChrysler A.G. and Ford Motor Co. Released details of the pacts are sketchy, but it appears the UAW has given the auto makers some flexibility to close plants in the interests of remaining competitive with transplant car companies who have been gaining domestic market share the past few years. For the most part, the UAW was able to get car makers to hold the line on health care benefits for its members, with only minimal co-pay increases. UAW members over the next week or two will vote on whether or not to accept the agreements.