Thousands of Canadian Auto Workers members working at Chrysler facilities in Brampton, Windsor and Etobicoke on Sunday night, April 26 voted in favor of a new restructuring agreement, ratifying the deal by 87 percent during a series of meetings held over the past two days. The deal was reached on April 24 between the two sides.
"Our members understand better than anyone the current turmoil of the domestic auto industry," said CAW president Ken Lewenza. "The high acceptance of this agreement is a recognition that although workers did not cause this crisis, we all have an interest in maintaining good jobs and ensuring the auto industry remains central to the overall Canadian economy."
The deal is the second cost-cutting agreement reached between the CAW and Chrysler in less than a year and includes cuts to benefits, a reduction in time off, relief time and the formation of Canadian Health Care Trust fund, the first of its kind in the country.
The CAW-Chrysler deal will be the basis for negotiating new agreements with General Motors and Ford, said Lewenza. No dates have been set for opening negotiations with either of the other two companies.
"We are pleased that the men and women of the CAW have voted to ratify this contract,” said Al Iacobelli, Chrysler’s chief bargainer and vice president for employee relations. “We know that these are unprecedented times within the automotive industry and we have the utmost respect for the Canadian represented employees. We appreciate the hard work and dedication that they bring to the job each day."
