Chrysler to Take Two-Week Break
By JOSEE VALCOURT
March 13, 2008 12:37 p.m.

DETROIT -- Chrysler LLC plans to shut down the entire company for two weeks this summer as a cost saving move to "accelerate Chrysler's recovery and transformation," Chief Executive Robert Nardelli told employees in a memo distributed Thursday.

Mr. Nardelli told employees they will have to take vacation for the weeks of July 7 and July 14 "in order to create better alignment and efficiency across organizational lines and boost productivity," according to the memo, which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

Nardelli's Memo to Chrysler Workers
March 13, 2008 12:36 p.m.

Chrysler LLC plans to shut down the company for two weeks this summer as a cost saving move to "accelerate Chrysler's recovery and transformation," Chief Executive Robert Nardelli told employees in a memo distributed Thursday. Here is a copy of the memo:

Dear Employee,

A willingness to try something new has proven to be an important catalyst as we transform into The New Chrysler and, in many corners of this company, new ways of doing business are firmly taking root. That's not just because of new leadership; it's also a product of an "Own It" mindset. As a private company, we all need to think like owners and do our part to accelerate Chrysler's recovery and transformation.

One idea that we have taken a fresh look at is the implementation of a two-week mandatory vacation shutdown. This year, in order to create better alignment and efficiency across organizational lines and boost productivity, Chrysler will use a corporate-wide vacation shutdown for the weeks of July 7 and July 14. While some operations will need to work during the shutdown to support business-critical activities and others may need to maintain minimal support staffs in place, most organizations should use this two-week time period to schedule employee vacations.

Employees who have already used their earned vacation days, have insufficient earned vacation for the year or are otherwise committed to noncancelable vacation plans during other time periods should work with their local management to make alternative arrangements.

We ask that you approach this idea with an open mind and a team spirit. It's going to take your cooperation and teamwork to achieve success.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and continued support.

Sincerely,

Bob