(Reuters) – Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis, on Friday slammed the demands of the U.S. union United Auto Workers (UAW), saying it needed “all parties involved to focus on reality.”

In a letter to employees seen by Reuters, Mark Stewart, chief operating officer for North America, said the automaker is “committed to working with the UAW to reach an agreement based on the economic reality”.

Mark Stewart added that accepting the demands of UAW President Shawn Fain “could jeopardize our ability to make decisions in the future that ensure job security for our employees. a losing proposition for all of us”.

The current four-year agreements with Stellantis, General Motors and Ford Motor expire on September 14.

The UAW said it is seeking “bold” pay and benefits improvements, including salary increases of more than 40% over four years, significant additional furloughs and the reinstatement of defined-benefit pensions that had been removed for newer workers.

Shawn Fain on Tuesday criticized the numerous concessions demanded by Stellantis.

“The Stellantis proposals are a real slap in the face,” Shawn Fain said, noting that the company was proposing to cut health care coverage, decrease the number of vacation days for new hires and lift the cap on employees. temporary employees.

Mark Stewart said Shawn Fain failed to represent the negotiations fairly. “Theatre and personal insults will not help us get to a deal,” wrote Mark Stewart, adding that “now is the time to come to the negotiating table with an open mind and a common-sense approach. “.

Two people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters this week that automakers estimate UAW contract demands could raise the current hourly wage from $60 to more than $150.

(Report David Shepardson, Augustin Turpin, edited by Kate Entringer)

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