CAW focuses efforts on getting Chrysler to follow pattern set by Ford, GM

With Ford’s Canadian workers preparing to vote this weekend on a new contract, and GM Canada signing a similar deal late Thursday, the CAW’s bargaining efforts will be focused on coming to terms with Chrysler.

 The president of the Canadian Auto Workers is calling on Chrysler reach a settlement in line with agreements the union has reached with the other two big North American vehicle makers.

CAW president Ken Lewenza says Chrysler workers have had a “dark cloud” of uncertainty hanging over their heads for too long and they want to focus on making automobiles.

The CAW can legally walkout at Chrysler anytime but promised it would give 24-hour notice.

Lewenza says the tentative deal reached with General Motors of Canada on Thursday incorporates all the points reached with Ford earlier this week.

The GM deal will see new hires paid a lower rate for their first 10 years with the company and a hybrid pension plan for new employees, as well as a $2,000 annual cost of living lump sum payment and a $3,000 ratification bonus for all employees.

The GM deal will also see 1,750 jobs created, maintained or extended so that total employment at the company will remain at about 7,000 through 2016.

That includes 900 jobs through the additCAW focuses efforts on getting Chrysler to follow pattern set by Ford, GM

With Ford’s Canadian workers preparing to vote this weekend on a new contract, and GM Canada signing a similar deal late Thursday, the CAW’s bargaining efforts will be focused on coming to terms with Chrysler.

The president of the Canadian Auto Workers is calling on Chrysler reach a settlement in line with agreements the union has reached with the other two big North American vehicle makers.

CAW president Ken Lewenza says Chrysler workers have had a “dark cloud” of uncertainty hanging over their heads for too long and they want to focus on making automobiles.

The CAW can legally walkout at Chrysler anytime but promised it would give 24-hour notice.

Lewenza says the tentative deal reached with General Motors of Canada on Thursday incorporates all the points reached with Ford earlier this week.

The GM deal will see new hires paid a lower rate for their first 10 years with the company and a hybrid pension plan for new employees, as well as a $2,000 annual cost of living lump sum payment and a $3,000 ratification bonus for all employees.

The GM deal will also see 1,750 jobs created, maintained or extended so that total employment at the company will remain at about 7,000 through 2016.

That includes 900 jobs through the addition of a third shift at the flex plant in Oshawa, Ont., beginning early next year, and the extension of the life of the consolidated plant in Oshawa, which had been slated to close in 2013. Instead, the company will continue to operate at least one shift until June of 2014, extending at least 750 jobs and potentially more if a second shift is also extended.

In addition, about 100 new positions will be created or maintained at its plant in St. Catharines, Ont.

The company also committed to $675-million in investments over the term of the agreement.

The agreement also reverses concessions made in the last round of bargaining that allowed to use temporary workers indefinitely, and limits the use of those workers during the launch of a new vehicle.

He urged Chrysler to “get serious” and table a proposal that follows the pattern, adding that it seemed “reluctant” to do so, appearing to make a “strategic decision” to allow the union to focus on GM, but talks continue with the automaker.

ion of a third shift at the flex plant in Oshawa, Ont., beginning early next year, and the extension of the life of the consolidated plant in Oshawa, which had been slated to close in 2013. Instead, the company will continue to operate at least one shift until June of 2014, extending at least 750 jobs and potentially more if a second shift is also extended.

In addition, about 100 new positions will be created or maintained at its plant in St. Catharines, Ont.

The company also committed to $675-million in investments over the term of the agreement.

The agreement also reverses concessions made in the last round of bargaining that allowed to use temporary workers indefinitely, and limits the use of those workers during the launch of a new vehicle.

He urged Chrysler to “get serious” and table a proposal that follows the pattern, adding that it seemed “reluctant” to do so, appearing to make a “strategic decision” to allow the union to focus on GM, but talks continue with the automaker.