Chrysler and the Canadian Auto Workers Union have failed to reach an agreement on wage and pension concessions, following several days of negotiations. In a statement to the press, Chrysler cited “significant” unresolved “issues” with the union. With a deadline of March 31st for a bailout of Chrysler’s Canadian operations quickly approaching, there is speculation the automaker might pull out of Canada.
Chrysler has until Tuesday to submit its restructuring plan to the the Canadian government. The aim is to cut hourly labor costs by $19 to become competitive with Asian automakers. Chrysler could receive billions in emergency loans from Canada if the requirements are met.
The company builds its Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger at a plant in Brampton, Ontario. It also builds the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country in Windsor, Ontario.
“After several days of bargaining in good faith, Chrysler and the CAW have not reached an agreement that closes the competitive gap with other automobile manufacturers in Canada, to ensure Chrysler’s immediate viability,” said Al Iacobelli, the automaker’s lead negotiator. “We must close the competitive gap of $19 an hour immediately, with a goal of not having to affect base wages and pensions.”
Meanwhile, there are rumors Chrysler might opt to pull out of Canada, though it’s not clear how the company would survive without production of the key products listed above
03/29, 11:14 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
This could get ugly. If you understand the Eastern Canadian psyche (and I have absolutely no pretensions that I do) they’re all massively pissed right now because it’s a very real possibility none of their teams will make the NHL post season. Chrysler is more likely to bring back Eagle than anyone East of Saskatchewan is to cheer for the Canucks or Flames.
Sorry for going off topic but did anyone else watch the fight that started off as a hockey game in Chicago tonight?
03/29, 11:42 PM
posted by:
jandrews90
Hey i would cheer for the Canucks or Flames if they make it to the playoffs lol, I mean i’d rather it be the Leafs but lets be realistic here, that isn’t going to happen for a very long time lol
Anyways back to Chrysler, if they wanna leave, fine, because I don’t wanna give them Billions of dollars so they can go bankrupt within the year… and good luck to them if they think they have a chance without those products.(even though I’m assuming they probably have a huge backlog of caravans) But honestly I think they will make a big deal of this whole story, but in the end i’m sure they’ll come to an agreement, just like i’m sure president obama is bluffing when he says his deadling is tuesday or he’ll let them go bankrupt…
03/30, 6:59 AM
posted by:
justagigilo85
It’s refreshing to see a brawl like that in the post-lockout-NHL. Though there was a brawl between the senators and sabres not too long ago…
Did you catch the brawl between the senators and flyers in 2004?
03/30, 8:30 AM
posted by:
F50
I hope this doesn’t mean that the LX Cars and Minivans are gonna go, they are nice models(especially the LX cars), I really like the Challenger.
03/30, 10:21 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
god! chrysler is falling apart at the seams…LOL!!!!!!!
03/30, 5:55 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
Dear Ann Landers,
I have a problem. I have two brothers. One lives in Ontario and
is an avid supporter of the Toront Maple Leafs. The other brother
has just been sentenced to death in the electric chair in Florida.
My two sisters are both prostitutes and my father deals narcotics.
Recently I met a woman who was just released from prison where she
served time for smothering her illegitimate child. I want to marry
this woman. My problem is: If I marry this woman, should I tell
her about my brother who is the Toronto Maple Leaf fan?
03/31, 2:01 AM
posted by:
fordman
Chrysler is just bluffing.I hope the Canucks stick it to them!