UAW cool to Chrysler overture: Kerkorian attempts to appease union leaders.

Byline: Joe Guy Collier and Justin Hyde

Apr. 7--Kirk Kerkorian's $4.5-billion bid for Chrysler Group and his pitch to the UAW to become part owner in exchange for health-care concessions received a chilly reception Friday. But the billionaire activist investor tried to ease the concerns of union members Friday by assuring them he wants to pursue a "true partnership." The UAW already has many of the powers that owning a chunk of Chrysler's shares carries. It has a seat on the DaimlerChrysler AG Supervisory Board and bargaining power over wages, pensions and health-care benefits. With contract negotiations set for later this year, the UAW likely would not agree to dramatic alterations in its relationships with Chrysler until those talks are complete, experts say. Workers say they're skeptical of the motives of Kerkorian, or any bidder. The top priority of these buyers will be making money, …