In order to meet the terms of the $13.4 billion federal bailout package, General Motors must win concessions from the United Auto Workers Union, a requirement Rick Wagoner, CEO of General Motors believes can be accomplished.

In an interview for the "Today" show with NBC newsman Matt Lauer, Wagoner said, "I'm confident that we'll be able to get the kinds of changes we'll need." The negotiation process will begin on Monday, January 12.

Currently GM has received $4 billion from the U.S. Treasury and is working to get the second infusion of $9.4 billion in part by gaining union and bond holder concessions.

GM is faced with bringing its hourly wage costs to the level of those paid by Toyota and other Japanese automakers who utilize non-union facilities in the United States.

The president of the UAW, Ron Gettelfinger, also appeared on the "Today" show. He has disputed the estimates that union workers receive $10 more an hour than non-union laborers, and said to Laurer that that gap "may be a little bit on the high side."

Achieving an agreement, however, is vital for GM's survival, with U.S. auto sales down 18 percent for 2008. A once-discussed merger with Chrysler LLC appears to be on the back burner, with Chrysler itself having received $4 billion from the federal government.