UAW says recognizes union must make changes

DETROIT (Reuters) - United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger said on Friday that the union recognizes it will have to make additional changes but it is premature to lay out the exact steps.

Gettelfinger said he had discussions with General Motors Corp Chief Executive Rick Wagoner and Chrysler LLC President Tom LaSorda on Friday morning and the concern was that auto suppliers could demand faster payment for goods supplied.

The union chief said GM would not survive beyond December without federal aid and Chrysler's financial situation was also precarious.

"If we work for nothing, it wouldn't help them (GM) limp into January," he said.

(Reporting by Kevin Krolicki and David Bailey)