With the deadline for expired contracts
looming, the Canadian Auto Workers union is considering talking to all three Detroit automakers at the same time. This is an uncharacteristic break from tradition, as it usually targets either Chrysler, Ford, or GM to agree to its terms and threatens strike action to get the others to follow suit.
The CAW is currently undergoing talks with the Canadian management of GM, Ford, and Chrysler in three separate negotiations in a Toronto hotel.
CAW President Ken Lewenza said that a company won't be targeted until the talks are making progress,
according to
Automotive News. If they deteriorate, however, he said the CAW will go back to its old methods of focusing on one automaker. This decision will be made at least five days before all three contracts expire at the end of the day on September 17. The unionized workers are allowed to strike anytime after that time.
The CAW's U.S.-equivalent, the UAW, made a similar promise early in 2011 but eventually chose to strike at GM plants first.
The vast majority of CAW members at the three manufacturers' plants in Canada support a strike if talks aren't in their favor.
