A weak Fiat Chrysler named surprise target of UAW labour talks

Southfield, Michigan

THE United Auto Workers chose Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the weakest of the Detroit Three carmakers, as the surprise target for negotiating a new four-year labour agreement.

The choice bucks the union's tradition of choosing the strongest company among Fiat Chrysler, General Motors Co or Ford Motor Co to extract the best terms for its 140,000 members, a process known as pattern bargaining. This year's dynamics were unusual because Fiat Chrysler laid bare its weaknesses and has been vocal about the need for a merger partner.