Strike possible Monday as CAW says no progress made in contract talks with auto-makers
Posted Sep 15, 2012 7:28 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – The Canadian Auto Workers Union says no progress is being made in contract talks in Toronto with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.
If no deal is reached a strike could start Monday just before midnight, with the union suggesting more than one of the big three auto-makers could be hit by a walkout.
CAW President Ken Lewenza said the auto-makers are refusing to back down from several proposals that would cut costs.
Included in the proposal is a new pay scale that would prevent newly hired workers from ever reaching what is currently the top pay level for workers.
Lewenza argues that the union has been flexible while the companies are not willing to budge from their position.
The auto-makers, meanwhile, argue that Canada has become the most expensive country in the world to build cars and trucks, hinting about moving production south to reduce costs.
Lewenza said the strike deadline could potentially be extended if progress is made at contract talks in Toronto.
