By Christina Rogers; The Detroit News ~ Sep 02, 2010

Detroit -- Daniel Akerson, General Motors Co.'s new CEO, issued his first statement to all GM employees today -- a Labor Day message noting that he's already met with union leadership.

In a letter posted to the company's internal websites and sent to GM plants, Akerson told employees he recently met with United Auto Workers' president Bob King and UAW GM Vice President Joe Ashton.

A copy of the memo was obtained by The Detroit News, and GM confirmed its accuracy.

"We agreed that while we will not always see eye to eye on everything, GM will succeed to the extent that management and labor work together," Akerson said.

"I believe very deeply in that," Akerson added, and noted that Labor Day should be a time to reflect on "labor's many contributions here and around the world.

"Of course, labor's role in building up this nation and others is well recognized and rightly so. And, coming from a union family, I know on a very personal level the good things that unions can do."

 He wished GM workers a "safe, happy holiday weekend" and asked them to accept his "sincere thanks" for their commitment to GM.

 "There will always be more hard work ahead of us," he said, "but because of your dedication, I have great optimism for GM's future."

 Akerson, who was a GM board member, became CEO of the Detroit-based Wednesday, and will become board chairman at year's end.

 He replaces former Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre.

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