In a statement to Italian wire service ANSA, the head of the automotive sector of Italian union Fim-Cisl, Bruno Vitali, said he met with UAW President Ron Gettelfinger.
"The Fiat-Chrysler deal is ready and could be signed as soon as this afternoon," Vitali said, adding that the deal is "90 percent" done.
Fiat and the UAW, however, do not agree.
"No agreement has been concluded between Chrysler and trade unions in the U.S and Canada and the assertion that the overall agreement has been 90 percent defined is untrue. The talks remain completely open and it is not currently possible to predict the timing or the outcome," Fiat said in a statement yesterday.
Later that day, Vitali toned down his statements.
"There is no agreement regarding the Chrysler issue," he said during a phone call with Reuters. "But there is a strong push on the part of the American union to close this negotiation in a positive way. But keep in mind that we are in talks and that it could all fall apart."
A statement from Gettelfinger and UAW Vice President General Holiefield reiterated that the talks with Fiat are continuing.
"Contrary to some media reports, no agreement has been finalized," the statement said. "We are continuing to work toward an agreement that will be in the best interests of Chrysler workers, retirees and the communities where the company does business."
The deal has essentially stalled on issues with the CAW. While Chrysler would like CAW workers to take bigger concessions, the CAW contends that Chrysler has taken advantage of its workers, and refuses to make more cuts.
Source: Automotive News