Union seeking wage increases at 4 Chrysler suppliers

Union president anticipates difficult negotiations based on economy

The union representing workers at four factories that supply parts to Chrysler’s Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ont. will be asking for a wage increase in upcoming negotiations.

The union is expecting a tough round of negotiations, noting London, Ont.-based Electro-Motive Canada locked out its employees after proposing a 50 per cent wage cut, Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union president Rick Laporte told the Windsor Star.

The 400 workers at Dakota Integrated Systems, Oakley Sub Assembly, TRW Ltd. and HPBO Canada haven’t had a raise since the previous three-year agreement was extended, according to Laporte.

“We’ll watch what’s going on in London because if the company wins that battle, other employers are going to expect concessions as well,” Laporte said to the paper.

During the last round of negotiations, workers at TRW Ltd. ended up striking for more than two weeks. Laporte said bargaining was difficult and thinks it could be tougher this time around based on the current economic climate.

Local 444 will also begin negotiations with Integram Seating, which is owned by Magna International Inc., later this year. The company employs more than 600 workers who manufacture seats for the minivans built in Windsor.

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