Chrysler Strikes Deal With Canadian Workers

Workers surrender benefits to keep operating costs down

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 25, 2009 4:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – Chrysler has won concessions from its Canadian workers that may help keep it out of bankruptcy, the Globe & Mail reports. The Canadian Auto Workers union—faced with the prospect of Chrysler abandoning its operations north of the border—agreed to give up a range of hard-won benefits and to accept rules making it easier for Chrysler to hire temps.

The CAW chief slammed the "tortuous and unfair" negotiation process and accused auto companies and the US and Canadian governments of "ganging up" on auto workers. He said the new deal would survive even if Chrysler goes into bankruptcy or merges with Fiat. "We will live to fight another day," he said.

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Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans roll off the assembly line at the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario. (AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza)

Traffic moves across the Ambassador Bridge from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

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I think it's a victory, considering what we've been through and considering the alternative and the consequences that were ahead of us if we didn't get a deal. - Ken Lewenza, president of Canadian Auto Workers

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Chrysler Strikes Deal With Canadian Workers