Toronto, Ontario - The Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) has reached tentative settlements with both General Motors and Chrysler that meet the pattern it first established with Ford. The CAW represents close to 13,000 workers at General Motors and 8,000 with Chrysler in Canada.

The three-year agreements resist two-tier wages and provide productivity and quality bonuses, improved restructuring incentives, benefit improvements, cost of living increases in both the second and third years, and improved language on health and safety issues. The tentative settlements are subject to ratification by CAW members.

The union negotiated new product commitments for General Motors’ car plant in Oshawa, Ontario and St. Catharines, Ontario. It also negotiated a strong close-out agreement for members at the GM Windsor transmission plant in Ontario, which the company announced it would close in 2010.
The union also extended the operating life of the Chrysler casting plant in Toronto until at least 2011.