The United Auto Workers yesterday made significant concessions as the US's three largest carmakers prepared to appear at Congress tomorrow to make their case for emergency funding. The main carworkers' union said yesterday that it would suspend a contentious practice that allows so-called "idled" workers to collect virtually full pay and benefits without working.

Ron Gettelfinger, UAW president, said in Detroit the union would also consider other modifications to contracts reached with General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler last year. Concessions were "the responsible thing to do", he added.