Chrysler, GM workers in Canada ratify 3-year deals

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Associated Press

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Auto Workers at General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC have ratified a new labor agreement, wrapping up this year's round of negotiations between the CAW and the major automakers.

CAW members at Chrysler's three Ontario-based plants voted 87 percent in favor of the new agreement Saturday, making it the strongest approval rating among the three giant auto companies. GM workers voted 84 percent in favor of its new agreement earlier Saturday, and Ford Motor Co. workers voted 67 percent in support of its new contract two weeks ago.

CAW President Buzz Hargrove said the strong approval by the membership is evidence that the union did the right thing in negotiating an early settlement.

"I have no doubt in my mind that going into early bargaining with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler was the best thing for our members," Hargrove said in a statement Saturday. "With the new product commitments contained in the agreement, our members will be better equipped to weather the economic storm currently devastating the auto industry."


Read more: http://money.excite.com/jsp/nw/nwdt_rt_top.jsp?news_id=ap-d90o6n3o0&

[matt007]

1. Hopefully

Hopefully the "new product commitments" include Phasing out all truck-based SUVs, Less V8's in cars and trucks, and an overall commitment to compact and midsize CARS.

[CRF450]

3. Less v8's in trucks?

Im sorry but as big and heavy as trucks are now, they need the v8's, not only for towing power but for decent acceleration, v6 dont get any better in fuel milage despite being less powerful. As for v8's in cars, they'll still be around for a long time. I'm holding on to mine.

I'm all for phasing out SUV's.

[Psephos]

2. self-delete - wrong subthread