Beginning of a new season

Opinion

Discussion

April 28, 2009

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Tue Apr 28, 2009, 01:27 AM EDT

THE ISSUE:Chrysler’s tentative concession agreement with the UAW.

OUR VIEW:The announcement suggests there’s hope a deal with Italian automaker Fiat and equity swaps with Chrysler’s lenders will keep Kokomo’s largest employer out of bankruptcy.

If there’s a flowering pear in your garden, then you know the tree’s blossoms were at their fragrant peak this past weekend. The pear is the first fruit tree to flower every spring. It’s a sure sign of a new season.

But there is another season Kokomo has expected for months now – one which begins this week. Thursday is the deadline for Chrysler to present its long-term viability plan to President Obama’s auto task force. Sunday night, the automaker announced it had reached a concession agreement with the United Auto Workers.

Friends and family of Chrysler’s 4,600 hourly workers here likely received the news with trepidation. But like blossoms on a tree, the announcement suggests there’s hope a deal with Italian automaker Fiat and equity swaps with Chrysler’s lenders still will bear fruit and keep Kokomo’s largest employer out of bankruptcy.

Local UAW leaders were called to Detroit Monday to discuss the terms of the tentative agreement. Members will vote on the pact before the Thursday deadline.

All we know at this point is the Chrysler-UAW plan “meets the requirements of U.S. Treasury Department loans to the company,” according the union, and that it likely will cause autoworkers financial pain.

A deal ratified Sunday between Chrysler and the Canadian Auto Workers eliminates Christmas bonuses, semiprivate hospital room coverage, certain drug fees and a one-time vacation buyout, The Associated Press reports. It also cuts break times and vacation.

As bad as that sounds, let us remind residents that Kokomo has been a manufacturing hub for more than 100 years. And in the last century, many factories have opened and closed.

It’s important to remember – this week, more than ever – Kokomo has survived. Its residents have prospered.

Come what may Thursday, we’ll get through this together.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.

Memorial Day officially

May 26, 2012
Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness

Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:

“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.

May 25, 2012
USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.

Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.

May 25, 2012
Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.

May 23, 2012 1 Story
Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.

May 21, 2012
Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food

Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:

May 19, 2012
Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.

May 18, 2012
Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.

May 16, 2012
Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.

Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.

May 15, 2012
de la Bastide: Indiana, the nation lose true statesman
During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Richard Lugar was noted for his ability to compro-mise when it came to legislation impacting the nation, and as a statesman when it came to foreign policy issues.

May 15, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Beginning of a new season

Site Map

Contact Us