TORONTO (AP) -- Members of the Canadian Auto Workers who work at the Big Three automakers have voted to strike if union negotiators can't reach a deal before their contract expires next month.þþThe vote supported a walkout -- if talks prove unsuccessful. Workers at General Motors and DaimlerChrysler voted 97 percent in favor and at Ford, 95 percent supported a strike, if necessary.þþCAW president Buzz Hargrove said the vote results showed that CAW members are determined to negotiate a strong collective agreement in 2002 that calls for salary increases, job and income security, better time off, as well as improved benefits and better working conditions.þþThe union has yet to choose which company will be its target in the latest talks. Historically, the CAW works out a deal with one company that sets a pattern for the other two.þþWith plant closures looming, the Canadian Auto Workers are expected to demand promises that GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler increase efforts to protect jobs by investing in Canadian factories.þþGM will close the industry's only Quebec assembly plant in late August, while Ford is scheduled to shut its Oakville, Ontario, truck factory next year.þþThe last strike was in 1996, a 22-day walkout at various GM operations over outsourcing.þþ
Source: NY Times
