U.S. autoworkers andtroubled automaker Chrysler urged Congress on Wednesday not toapprove a free trade pact with South Korea until it has beenrenegotiated to address their concerns.



The deal struck in April 2007 by the Bush administration'would threaten the jobs of tens of thousands of Americanworkers, exacerbating the already serious difficulties facingthe U.S. auto industry and its workers and retirees,' said RonGettelfinger, president of the United Auto Workers union.



Gettelfinger told the Senate Commerce Committee theagreement fails to tear down South Korean regulatory barriersthat have long thwarted sales of U.S. and other foreign cars,even though South Korea would be required to immediatelyeliminate its tariffs on U.S. cars and trucks.



John Bozzella, Chrysler's vice president for externalaffairs and public policy, said the agreement 'narrows, butdoes not eliminate discrimination against U.S. auto importers'in South Korea and rewards that country for failing to live upto previous auto trade deals.



The warnings came on the same day the U.S. House ofRepresentatives approved $25 billion in loans to help Chrysler,Ford and General Motors through current hard times. Thatlegislation now goes to the Senate for a vote.



Last year, South Korea exported 668,000 autos to the UnitedStates, but imported only 6,500 U.S. vehicles



Presidential Democratic candidate Barack Obama has promisedto negotiate the trade deal if elected. His Republican rivalJohn McCain has urged approval of the pact.