Marchionne Rushes Back To Detroit To Find UAW "Unavailable"

Negotiators for the United Auto Workers union are back at the table with all three Detroit automakers today, but the timing of reaching tentative agreements has shifted with the dramatic events of the last 24 hours.

The UAW hoped to reach new contracts with General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC before the expiration of the current four-year agreement at midnight. But talks collapsed with Chrysler late Wednesday. In an angry letter, CEO Sergio Marchionne criticized UAW President Bob King for being unavailable to complete talks, because King was trying to reach an agreement with GM first.

The GM talks also failed to reach an accord by midnight.