WASHINGTON — The head of the United Auto Workers made a public plea Sunday for government help for U.S. carmakers as the Big Three put the final touches on stabilization plans to submit to Congress.
“We cannot afford to see these companies fail,” said Ron Gettelfinger, the UAW chief. He called on Congress to approve the aid during a special session the week of Dec. 8.
Gettelfinger said a $25 billion rescue plan for the carmakers is “not a bailout, this is a loan — a bridge loan — that will get us through until we can take a longer-term look at exactly what needs to be done in the industry.”
Democratic leaders are demanding blueprints from Chrysler, Ford and General Motors before they will schedule votes on any federal aid. The plans, due Tuesday, are to be scrutinized at a Senate hearing Wednesday and a House hearing Friday.
If lawmakers like what they see, Congress might reconvene the following week to consider the auto bailout.
Members of Congress remain divided on the aid. Many in both parties are wary of supporting another costly government rescue on the heels of the $700 billion Wall Street bailout.
Gettelfinger said the UAW is willing to consider more concessions on wages and benefits as part of any new federal aid, but other parties have to share in the sacrifice.
“We’re prepared to go back to the table,” he said on CNN’s “Late Edition.”
