Chrysler LLC, State of Michigan and UAW Announce Industry-First For Eligible Chrysler Employees

- Joint partnership to offer financial support, job training and placement assistance for UAW-represented workers in Michigan who take early retirement and voluntary separation offers from Chrysler

- Collaboration between Michigan's 'No Worker Left Behind' and 'Michigan Works!' initiatives, Chrysler and the UAW becomes first-of-its-kind for Michigan workers

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 12 -- Chrysler LLC, in partnership with the State of Michigan and the UAW announced today a first-of-its-kind special programs opportunity for eligible UAW-represented Chrysler employees in the State of Michigan. The joint partnership offers Chrysler employees financial support, job training and placement assistance, in order to ensure that "life after Chrysler" leads to a bright future for Michigan families and the economy of the State.

Chrysler LLC will be offering three programs -- Incentive Program for Retirement (IPR), Special Early Retirement (SER) and Enhanced Voluntary Termination of Employment (EVTEP). In Michigan, approximately 13,800 employees are eligible for the three programs, which represents nearly all hourly employees in the state.

"This win-win-win partnership will help employees who are separating from Chrysler land on their feet," said Al Iacobelli, Chrysler Vice President -- Employees Relations. "We appreciate the years of dedication and work that the men and women of Chrysler have put into their careers with our organization. We now provide them a chance to reinvest in and reinvent their next career."

These socially responsible programs will be offered above and beyond Chrysler's lump-sum payouts and extended healthcare benefits.

"Providing workers with the training they need is a critical part of our plan to strengthen and diversify Michigan's economy," Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said. "This collaboration between Chrysler, the United Auto Workers, and the State of Michigan is exactly the kind of partnership we need to better position Michigan to thrive in 21st century economy."

"The UAW is committed to assisting our members successfully transition to other good paying jobs once they leave Chrysler," said UAW Vice President General Holiefield, who directs the union's Chrysler Department. "We know that UAW members, with their total dedication to quality and productivity, can make valuable contributions in a wide range of fields. We believe these programs will help our members apply their skills in new areas."

Today's announced partnership has three components: Training, Tuition and Placement.

Training

The primary focus of the State of Michigan's "No Worker Left Behind" program to pursue certificates of value, associate's degrees or technical training, which leads to a job in a high-demand occupation. The State of Michigan will work with Chrysler participants to provide:

  -- Skill and aptitude assessments;
  -- Career counseling;
  -- Crisis intervention and life skills counseling;
  -- Up to two years of training; and,
  -- Support services, such as mentoring and coaching.

"With the help of 'Michigan Works!' agencies and the No Worker Left Behind initiative, every UAW employee separating from Chrysler under retirement, early retirement and voluntary separation will have the opportunity to receive targeted education, training, and support services to prepare for high demand and emerging industry careers," Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) Director Keith W. Cooley said. "This win-win-win partnership demonstrates our commitment to retain these workers and help them succeed in making a new life."

Tuition

Chrysler has established a special tuition assistance program to provide tuition assistance of up to $5,000 per year for two years, for a total of $10,000 per person. Tuition includes instructional costs, books, materials, fees (i.e. application costs, registration, lab fees) and academic support services.

Placement

Job placement assistance will be provided through Michigan Works! Office locations to help participants take advantage of newly acquired education and training by working directly with training providers and employers. Michigan Works! has more than 100 facilities across the state. "Matching the skills of our workforce with the needs of our employers is what No Worker Left Behind is all about," DLEG Deputy Director Andy Levin said. "We must begin with the recognition that none of us can do it alone. We must all work together -- citizens, businesses, government, and educational institutions -- to build a Michigan workforce with the skills and training to meet the needs of Michigan's existing and emerging economy."

Chrysler LLC will also be providing special relocation and mortgage services for those that are looking to take advantage of refinancing their home or moving to another location.

About No Worker Left Behind

On August 1, 2007, Granholm announced the No Worker Left Behind initiative: an ambitious plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high demand occupations, emerging industries, and entrepreneurial endeavors. No Worker Left Behind gives Michigan workers the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to win good paying jobs in today's global economy. No Worker Left Behind provides up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university, or other approved training program for qualifying participants. www.michigan.gov/dleg

About Chrysler LLC

Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest ever with an increase of 15 percent over 2006. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, please visit the Chrysler media site at http://www.media.chrysler.com.