Chrysler Not on Board With GM, Ford Health-Care Plan

A potential rift may be brewing among the U.S. Big Three auto makers as Chrysler LLC reportedly is not in agreement with plans by General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co.

GM and Ford want the United Auto Workers union to handle disbursement of retiree health-care benefits, but Bloomberg, quoting unnamed sources, says Chrysler wants to raise cash via its labor negotiations.

The UAW’s contracts with the Detroit-based auto makers expire Sept. 14, and health-care costs are considered to be one of the preeminent issues.

GM CEO Rick Wagoner has said medical costs for current and former Big Three workers, and their dependents, amounted to $12 billion in 2006.