The reputations of Ron Gettelfinger and Senator Robert Phillips Corker Jr. have strengthened, perhaps setting the stage for future showdowns.

If the Detroit automakers are to win over Congress this week, it may require big cost-saving concessions from the United Automobile Workers.

Democratic leaders in Congress gave auto industry leaders 12 days to come back with a plan showing that federal aid would be well-spent.

Democratic leaders in Congress gave auto industry leaders 12 days to come back with a plan showing that federal aid would be well-spent.

The president of the United Automobile Workers union, Ron Gettelfinger, urged Congress to approve financial support for automakers to prevent millions of people from losing their jobs.

Whether Washington should let that play out — risking hundreds of thousands of jobs — is a central question Congress will weigh this week.

The United Automobile Workers president will testify to Congress this week, but many lawmakers may say that unions have exacerbated Detroit’s problems.