USA: Chrysler to offer more workers buyouts, retirement

. WARREN, Michigan (AP), September 12, 2008: By Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer Chrysler LLC said Friday it will make another round of early retirement and buyout offers to factory workers in Michigan to reduce the number who are on indefinite layoff due to slumping sales. Company officials said this during an event at a Warren factory where the automaker celebrated the launch of the new Dodge Ram pickup. About 13,800 of Chrysler's 45,000 hourly workers worldwide are eligible for the offers, and most are in the Detroit metro area. This round has a new education option offered in conjunction with the state of Michigan. The education options include health benefits, cash and up to $10,000 for two years of certified training so workers can go back to school while still being able to support a family, said Al Iacobelli, vice president for employee relations. "We'll be able to rise when all boats go up with the ocean," said an official. Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press.