GM and Chrysler Ultimatums Worrying Michigan Family

Saint Clair Shores, Michigan -- On Monday, the federal government essentially backed out of providing continued funding to GM and Chrysler. President Obama cited lack of commitment by GM, an inability to meet the deadlines and failure to provide a feasible solution to the automakers' financial problems.

The needed bailout did not occur. Instead, Obama gave GM 60 days to present a restructuring plan that would work and ousted CEO Rick Wagoner. He gave Chrysler 30 days to merge with Fiat or dissolve and go into bankruptcy.

The ultimatum provides a tremendous scare to autoworkers, their families and the nation as a whole.

As a family supported by a working father who has been with Chrysler for more than 15 years, worry fills our house. When I began writing this, I figured my parents, with whom I live, would have some input. I presented them with the story, asked for a response and was astounded by some of the words that came from them.

Indeed, they are worried, as is much of the nation. Instead of summarizing their thoughts, I will share them directly. This presents a real life look at a Chrysler family living in the suburbs of Detroit.

My father: He's 56. He's been a 56-year-old Chrysler Product Development Technician for 15 years and a GM mechanic for more than 20 additional years. He's a lifer in the industry.

"Chrysler might not be number one, but we try hard with the products that we have to work with. There is a market for our trucks and Jeeps, but we have a way to go with our cars. The Fiat alliance could help us out. The Obama administration and the media certainly don't support us. The real blame lies in the economy. This is not our fault. If we don't get people to spend money, we will never make it. If these two automotive giants fall, a lot of people will go down with them. If Obama can not get the economy going, then he should resign. We are walking a fine line in Detroit."

My mother: She's 53. She's a part-time accountant.

"Our future looks dim. The ultimatum about partnering with Fiat in 30 days and paying back the loans is a joke. It will never happen in that short time frame, with the government running the game and supposedly providing warranty coverage for GM or Chrysler. If they file bankruptcy, nobody will buy or lease one of their products. The government can't honor a warranty. I'm worried now because our house isn't paid off, there are no jobs in Michigan and my husband, at 56, is unlikely to find another job. I only work part time. I cannot support our family. My husband can't retire yet. 15 years working for Chrysler, and I never thought this could happen to us. I guess it can happen to anybody and you, too, could lose everything."

This is just one inside look into one family affected by the ultimatum and possible collapse of the auto industry. There are thousands of other similar stories. The collapse of GM or Chrysler will affect millions of lives, my family included.

Source: Julia Kollewe, Andrew Clark Obama Ultimatum on aid drives GM chief from office, Guardian .co.uk