Ford recently announced that its white collar workers would be receiving merit pay raises and bonuses for this first time in four years, but the blue oval’s Detroit competitors might not be following suit.
Despite improved outlooks at both Chrysler and General Motors, Detroit’s other two automakers say they are still undecided on raises and bonuses for their employees. Both automakers say they won’t be influenced by the actions of Ford and will wait to rule on the matter until 2011′s financial results are in.
“There will be no decision until our business results are finalized,” said GM spokesman Jay Cooney told The Detroit News.
Chrysler is touting a similar corporate line.
“Chrysler Group intends to announce its fourth-quarter and year-end financial results on Feb. 1,” the company said in an email Thursday. “The year-end results will determine whether employees are eligible for annual awards.”
Just a few years ago a pay raise by one of the Detroit automakers would have prompted the others to follow suit, but that’s necessarily the case anymore. Unemployment remains high – particularly in Michigan – making it easier for GM and Chrysler to lure top talent without paying top dollar.
