05.06.2009

UAW applauds agreement on fleet modernization, calls for immediate legislative action

DETROIT - UAW President Ron Gettelfinger called yesterday's agreement between the White House and congressional leaders on a fleet modernization bill "a step forward for the U.S. auto industry."

The bill will provide vouchers for consumers who trade in low-mileage vehicles for more fuel-efficient models.

"This will give consumers an incentive to purchase high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles," said Gettelfinger. "Putting environmentally friendly vehicles on the road will provide substantial benefits in reducing oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions."

The proposed legislation, said Gettelfinger, "will provide an important boost to auto sales. Congress should act right away on this high-priority measure, to deliver an immediate stimulus to our auto industry and to keep Americans working."

The UAW praised the efforts of committee chairmen Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Edward Markey, D-Mass., chairman emeritus John Dingell, D-Mich., and Reps. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, and Candice Miller, R-Mich., for their efforts in crafting this vital legislation.