KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) -- Passing motorists honked horns in solidarity with auto workers, retirees and others rallying outside the idled Chrysler engine plant in Kenosha Monday.
Speakers blasted the automaker for its plan to close the Kenosha plant by the end of 2010 as part of bankruptcy reorganization, while expanding operations in Mexico, where a new plant is to produce the Phoenix V-6 engine.
"That work is promised to Kenosha, and it should stay in Kenosha," said Glenn Stark, president of United Auto Workers Local 72.
Dennis Williams, director of the UAW nine-state region that includes Wisconsin, said, "It's time to fight, it's time to be vocal, it's time to get (ticked) off."
The UAW wants President Obama to press Chrysler, which is considering an alliance with Italy's Fiat, to change its plans.