Canada Ping!
Posted on 09/16/2012 9:03:54 AM PDT by MamaDearest
TORONTO - The Canadian Auto Workers union said negotiating with the big three automakers - General Motors, Chrysler and Ford - before Monday's midnight strike deadline is like juggling "a lot of balls up in the air."
If the CAW, which represents 21,500 members in the three companies, doesn't reach a settlement with the big three, it could mean a walkout could start at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
"It's a little tough to tell at this point in time what the impact will be because it depends upon status of bargaining with each of the three companies," CAW secretary treasurer Peter Kennedy said Saturday evening.
"The best case scenario is we have a deal with all three companies and the worst is we're still far apart with all three and we find ourselves in a situation where we have a strike. It could be any combination of that between now and then."
The union is refusing to back down from several cost-cutting proposals, including a new pay scale which would prevent newly-hired workers from ever reaching what is currently the top pay amount for more senior workers.
"We are opposed to that proposal because it doesn't make any sense in the long run," Kennedy said. "We believe people working side-by-side, doing the same job should at least have the opportunity to have the same pay."
However, the auto-makers argue Canada has become too expensive to build vehicles and have hinted about moving production south as a way to save money.
Chrysler didn't wish to say much Saturday as negotiations are ongoing.
"Unfortunately, I'm not authorized to make any comment because the talks are ongoing, but we are working around the clock through the weekend to try to come to some resolution before the deadline of Monday," said Chrysler spokeswoman Lou Ann Gosselin.
General Motors Canada said it continues to have "open and constructive dialogue with our CAW partners."
"We are optimistic that we can continue to work together to overcome challenges, find creative solutions and improve our competitive position," GM spokeswoman Faye Roberts said.
Contract talks began in mid-August, but have been consecutive since Aug. 27.
"We really came in here with modest expectations," Kennedy added.
"One was to make sure there was some way of rewarding our members for the sacrifices they made in 2009 that led to the turnaround of the companies and profitability they're enjoying today without increasing fixed costs."
The union is scheduled to give an update Sunday at noon in Toronto to update media on negotiations.
Canada Ping!
You can bet their primary motivation for striking is to attempt to get at Stephen Harper. The Unions are getting their marching orders from the Liberals.
They should call Obama. He probably would love to play with all those balls.
That would be GM, Ford, and Fiat?
I would agree...we need to stop using the term “Chrysler” and just get on with business with the Fiat management team.
Notice they didn't say how FAR south they'd move. Jobs for Americans likely not in their planning as wages would be similar to the Canadian version. Only surprised they didn't threaten to move east (far east). Wonder how many jobless people will able to afford to buy their brands?
Killing the golden goose, again.
Especially now, we need to drive the point home that Obama didn't save Chrysler, he lost it.
Your both wrong. It needs to be called UAW Motors since they own most of the company.
I see your point. That was true as of last year, but Fiat owns a majority share of the company after acquiring the Fed’s share. The UAW’s stake is still over 46% though, enough reason for me to refuse to by one.
guess I missed the buy out. Thanks for the update.
I can’t wait for the engines to start falling out of them again.
Had a X19 that did just that going down the highway. Mount rusted out.
You had the same idea I did — but, the answer would be:
Toyota, General Motors, and Volkswagen.
Ford is #5, and Fiat #9.
http://omgtoptens.com/misc/weapons/top-10-largest-auto-companies-world-2012/
What, Gubmint Motors?
The UAW is striking against itself?
The Big 3 used to refer to the three top US makes, but you make a good point. Sad, the US auto industry was unbeatable at one time. Now, it’s doing good just to get half of its home market.
Yeah, I realize it was a bit of a definition shift — however, the top three US makes used to be the world’s top three as well.
The notion of a “home market” is changing too. Some Toyota models (for instance) have more U.S. value-added than some models of nominally American brands.
You mean like a US built Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima, as opposed to a Mexican build Ford Fusion or Canadian built Chevy Impala. Yup, that stinks too.
But most transplants are only assembled here with the parts shipped (imported) from the home country (although the US made parts content is going up in transplants), and the profits still go back to the home country, so money still leaves the US when we buy a transplant.
Don't get me wrong, I understand why Americans abandoned American cars. Who you blame for that is up to you (I blame the UAW), but we'll never recover if that doesn't change.
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