Fenton Chrysler workers agree to buyouts

FENTON — Chrysler says more than one-third of the workers at its plants in Fenton have agreed to accept either a voluntary buyout or retirement offer.

Chrysler spokeswoman Mary Beth Halprin said late Thursday that 39 percent of eligible employees would be impacted at the two assembly plants. KSDK-TV reported the packages would impact around 1,700 workers.

The decisions come as Chrysler, Ford and General Motors seek government bailouts to survive the current economic crisis.

The North Assembly Plant produces the Dodge Ram and the South Assembly Plant makes three vehicles, including the Dodge Grand Caravan. In October, Chrysler stopped production of Dodge and Chrysler minivans at the south plant and laid off about 1,500 workers.