DaimlerChrysler Canada and the Canadian Auto Workers' (C.A.W.) union have agreed on the framework of a tentative contract that intends to bring new investment to the Windsor area, and addresses other key issues raised during 2002 collective bargaining. The economic offer is based on the pattern agreement reached with General Motors of Canada and subsequently adopted by Ford Motor Company of Canada.
DaimlerChrysler Canada Chairman, President and CEO Ed Brust said that the agreement will create significant new employment in the Windsor area some time toward the end of 2005.
The company also said an additional 660 jobs will be created next year in conjunction with the launch of the all-new 2003 Chrysler Pacifica and model changes to current minivans at the Windsor (Ontario) Assembly Plant. The Windsor area investment will minimize the effect on employees due to the phasing out of production at the Pillette (Ontario) Assembly Plant at the end of 2003.
The tentative agreement, which now must be ratified by the C.A.W. membership, represents the culmination of a major investment effort, added DaimlerChrysler Canada Vice President of Human Resources Phil Bezaire. "Over the three years of this contract, we will invest $2.6 billion (Cdn) in our Canadian operations, excluding the new Windsor investment," he said. "The investment underscores our company's commitment to Canada and the communities in which our facilities are located."
Brust added, "We are satisfied that, based on the foundation of our long-standing relationship, even under an intensely competitive market environment, we were able to reach agreeable solutions."