Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Chevy Camaro to be built in US once again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/chevy-camaro-to-be-built-in-us-once-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/chevy-camaro-to-be-built-in-us-once-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/chevy-camaro-to-be-built-in-us-once-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

General Motors has announced that the next generation of the Chevrolet Camaro will once again be built in the United States, specifically at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Lansing, MI. The current Camaro has been assembled in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, since its introduction in 2010.

The automaker cites "lower capital investment and improved production efficiencies" as key reasons for the move - indeed, the Camaro is the only rear-wheel-drive vehicle made in Oshawa; the Buick Regal and Cadillac XTS are currently manufactured there, and the upcoming Chevrolet Impala will join the front-wheel-drive group in 2013. Meanwhile, the Lansing facility currently produces two rear-wheel-drive vehicles - the Cadillac ATS and CTS - which makes the Camaro a natural fit.

The Canadian Auto Workers Union is, as expected, none too pleased by the "callous and poorly thought-out" announcement, "reacting in anger and frustration" according to a statement. CAW National President Ken Lewenza added, "General Motors has once again shown a complete and utter disregard for its workers and also Canadians in general, whose tax dollars kept the company out of bankruptcy."

The CAW says that "GM must replace lost Camaro production on a one-to-one basis." The automaker's own statement says it will "continue to meet the production targets agreed to with the Canadian and Ontario governments during the 2009 restructuring." In any case, production of the current Camaro will continue in Ontario until the next-gen model is ready to go on sale sometime within the next few years.

Feel free to read statements from both General Motors and the CAW below.

Continue reading Chevy Camaro to be built in US once again

Chevy Camaro to be built in US once again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarocanadacanadian auto workerscawchevroletgeneral motorsgmlansingontariooshawaWed, 19 Dec 2012 14:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20407500/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/19/chevy-camaro-to-be-built-in-us-once-again/20407500/article-detail.xml 20407500 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-chevrolet-camaro-1le_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-chevrolet-camaro-1le.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler, CAW reach tentative contract agreement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/#commentsFiled under:

Canadian Auto Workers boss Ken Lewenza flashes a peace sign

The Canadian Auto Workers union and Chrysler have reportedly come to a tentative agreement, ending a long-running series of contract negotiations. Chrysler was the last of the Detroit automakers to continue negotiating with the CAW, as General Motors and Ford had both recently come to terms with the union.

While the agreed upon terms between the CAW and Chrysler are similar to those with the other automakers, this isn't a carbon-copy deal.

According to Automotive News, Chrysler has offered a $3,000 bonus to union members upon ratification of the deal, with $2,000 inflation bonuses coming due in the second, third and fourth years of the agreement. Significantly, however, Chrysler has made no promises to add more Canadian jobs over the term of the contract, a concession that both Ford and GM did make.

After what CAW president Ken Lewenza (pictured) calls "a tug of war," the contract needs only now be ratified to take effect. Ratification votes for the 8,000 Canadian Chrysler workers/CAW members will take place sometime in the next several days.

Chrysler, CAW reach tentative contract agreement originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawchryslernegotiationsstrikeunionThu, 27 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20335589/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/20335589/article-detail.xml 20335589 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/caw-boss-ken-lewenza-peace-sign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/caw-boss-ken-lewenza-peace-sign.jpg <![CDATA[CAW and Ford ratify agreement, Chrysler still pending]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/caw-and-ford-ratify-agreement-chrysler-still-pending/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/caw-and-ford-ratify-agreement-chrysler-still-pending/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/caw-and-ford-ratify-agreement-chrysler-still-pending/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Canadian Auto Workers union boss Ken Lewenza - headshot with gesture

According to the Detroit Free Press, Ford's Canadian employees have ratified their union contract, making Chrysler the only automaker to not have worked out an agreement with its Canadian workforce. Employees from Ford of Canada voted 82 percent in favor of a new national contract following a weekend's worth of voting.

There are 21,000 Canadian Auto Workers union members, 4,500 of which are from Ford. While General Motors workers are set to ratify a new contract on Wednesday, Chrysler has made no such progress with its staffers.

CAW President Ken Lewenza (shown above) says that a Chrysler deal could come soon, "If they meet pattern, we could wrap up tomorrow," suggesting that Chrysler could follow the lead of Ford and GM's deals. However, the Fiat-owned automaker has reportedly made stronger demands for concessions than that of GM or Ford.

According to the report, the agreement with Ford includes the addition of 635 jobs over the life of the contract, to be filled mostly with previously laid-off employees. 583 workers were laid off from the Windsor plant, while another 280 were released from St. Thomas.

Plans to keep producing engines such as the Windsor-built 5.4-liter V8 engine and the 6.8-liter V8 have helped bolster the deal. Meanwhile, Ford is set to announce that its EcoBoost engine will be built in China because the nation's government has rules requiring domestic production.

CAW and Ford ratify agreement, Chrysler still pending originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacanadian auto workerscawfordford of canadaken lawenzawindsor canadaMon, 24 Sep 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20331540/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/24/caw-and-ford-ratify-agreement-chrysler-still-pending/20331540/article-detail.xml 20331540 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ken-lewenza-caw-boss_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ken-lewenza-caw-boss.jpg <![CDATA[GM, CAW reach tentative agreement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Canadian Auto Workers

Automotive News reports General Motors and the Canadian Auto Workers have reached a tentative labor agreement that will see the automaker invest $692.8 million into Canadian facilities over the life of the four year-deal. The two groups closed a 30-hour negotiating session that touched on everything from wages and benefits, to plant closings and new model manufacturing. The agreement covers around 8,200 workers currently, and GM has agreed to add or maintain 1,750 positions over the next four years. That means the automaker will postpone the consolidation of the company's Oshawa plant, where the current Chevrolet Impala is assembled. The manufacturer had planned to completely shutter the line, impacting around 2,000 workers.

GM will continue with plans to assemble the next-generation Impala at its Hamtramck facility, but will now also build the 2014 model on one shift in Oshawa. The move will employ around 750 Canadian workers, though that number may grow if the production is moved to two shifts later in 2014.

Even so, the CAW isn't entirely happy with the proposed settlement. The union was not able to secure the production of another vehicle. Union leaders say that's largely due to the fact that GM is in market share decline in Canada.

As you may recall, the CAW recently reached a similar tentative agreement with Ford.

GM, CAW reach tentative agreement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet impalacanadian auto workerscawchevrolet impalageneral motorsgmimpalaFri, 21 Sep 2012 13:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329897/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/20329897/article-detail.xml 20329897 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628-1347917616-1348236681_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628-1347917616-1348236681.jpg <![CDATA[CAW reaches tentative agreement with Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-reached-tentative-agreement-with-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-reached-tentative-agreement-with-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-reached-tentative-agreement-with-ford/#commentsFiled under: ,



After seeming to be at an impasse as late as this morning, the Canadian Autoworkers union and Ford have reached a tentative agreement with just hours to go before the CAW's work stoppage deadline.

The deal that has been agreed upon will run for the next four years and cover around 4,500 Canadian Ford employees. CAW members will see no base wage adjustments under the plan, though hourly employees will receive lump sum payments. Further, the automaker will create an additional 600 jobs in Canada.

The union was unable to secure cost-of-living adjustments for its retired members, however, and there are to be no changes in the overall structure of pension plans.

CAW President, Ken Lewenza said of the tentative plan, "It's a damn good deal in these economic times."

In the meantime, CAW officials continue to negotiate with General Motors and Chrysler. The union hopes to use the Ford deal as a blueprint for agreements with those companies, as well. This might not be a simple thing to do for a number of reasons. The CAW has been characterized as having a stronger relationship with Ford than with the other two companies; both Chrysler and GM have more at stake with this deal, as both employ roughly 8,000 CAW members compared with Ford's 4,500.

CAW reaches tentative agreement with Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawchryslerfordgmnegotiationsstrikeuawunionMon, 17 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20325683/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/caw-reached-tentative-agreement-with-ford/20325683/article-detail.xml 20325683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628-1347917616_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628-1347917616.jpg <![CDATA[CAW asked to keep working as deadline looms]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-asked-to-keep-working-as-deadline-looms/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-asked-to-keep-working-as-deadline-looms/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-asked-to-keep-working-as-deadline-looms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Representatives from the Canadian Auto Workers union and Ford continue to work on new national agreement. The deadline for reaching a deal is tonight at midnight.

Urging solidarity in these high-stakes last hours, CAW leadership has asked its members to stay on the job at all locations. In an update this morning, union leaders claimed that leaving the job site would have "serious negative consequences" for the bargaining committee's ability to get a strong result.

The CAW is currently in negotiations with all three of the Detroit automakers, though Ford has emerged as a top priority for the organization. Ford has reportedly been more willing to consider the union's proposal of a lower rate and longer "grow-in period" for new hires, rather than moving to the two-tier wage system that has been adopted by the United Auto Workers - the two-tier system is still being advanced by General Motors and Chrysler. If a deal is indeed reached with Ford, the CAW will take it to GM and Chrysler to match.

Should an agreement not be reached by 11:59 PM this evening, CAW officials report there could be a work stoppage at "one or even all three of the companies." A strike at all three automakers would affect roughly 20,000 employees.

CAW asked to keep working as deadline looms originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawchryslerfordgeneral motorsgmnegotiationsstrikeuawMon, 17 Sep 2012 11:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20325138/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/caw-asked-to-keep-working-as-deadline-looms/20325138/article-detail.xml 20325138 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit Three ask for big cuts from CAW, union unwilling to acquiesce]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/detroit-three-ask-for-big-cuts-from-caw-union-unwilling-to-acqu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/detroit-three-ask-for-big-cuts-from-caw-union-unwilling-to-acqu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/detroit-three-ask-for-big-cuts-from-caw-union-unwilling-to-acqu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Canadian Auto Workers

The Detroit Big Three are seeking "dramatic changes" in their contracts with the Canadian Auto Workers. According to a Reuters report, the CAW claims that the U.S. automakers are angling for deep pension and benefit cuts. The CAW says it has no intention of adhering to these proposed cuts.

According to the report, the CAW is staring down "unprecedented demands" from Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, as the current agreement between the parties is set to expire in one week.

One of the main points of contention surrounds a clause in the current deal, which expires September 17 at 11:59 p.m. EST. That clause would allow any worker with 30 years of experience to retire on full pension. The automakers are seeking to dissolve this clause.

The report also states that American automakers are refusing to commit to any new production investments in Canada. The CAW is demanding that the Big Three make such a commitment for the deal to go through.

According to a separate Detroit Free Press report, CAW President Ken Lewenza asserted that he plans to resist these wage and benefit concessions in the contract talks at this stage.

Other concessions being demanded by the Big Three include the creation of a second-tier workforce for newer employees. This would mirror the agreement set up with the UAW in America. The automakers are also asking that any new bonuses or pensions come from cuts made in other areas. At this time, all three American automakers declined to comment on these concessions, through Sergio Marchionne said last week that he would consider moving production to other plants if the CAW would not concede to its proposals.

Detroit Three ask for big cuts from CAW, union unwilling to acquiesce originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big threecanadacanadian auto workerscawchryslerdetroit big threefiatfordgeneral motorsgmTue, 11 Sep 2012 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319957/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/11/detroit-three-ask-for-big-cuts-from-caw-union-unwilling-to-acqu/20319957/article-detail.xml 20319957 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/caw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/caw.jpg <![CDATA[CAW votes to authorize strikes against GM, Ford and Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/caw-votes-to-authorize-strikes-against-gm-ford-and-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/caw-votes-to-authorize-strikes-against-gm-ford-and-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/caw-votes-to-authorize-strikes-against-gm-ford-and-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Canadian Auto Workers Union logoThe Canadian Auto Workers Union may soon be a thing of the past, but it still has to negotiate one more contract with the Big Three before its planned merger with the Canadian Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union. The current deal expires on Sept. 17, so CAW representatives are meeting with the automakers this week in Toronto - and they're coming armed with a strike authorization, according to The Detroit News.

While we can't call the vote unanimous, some 99 percent of Chrysler union members voted in favor of walking out, with 98 percent of General Motors workers and 97 percent of Ford workers authorizing the action if the parties can't come to terms. According to the report, the last CAW strike occurred in 1996.

CAW votes to authorize strikes against GM, Ford and Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawchryslerfordgmstrike authorizationstrike voteunionTue, 28 Aug 2012 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309832/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/28/caw-votes-to-authorize-strikes-against-gm-ford-and-chrysler/20309832/article-detail.xml 20309832 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/caw3dlogocolourweb-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/caw3dlogocolourweb-250.jpg <![CDATA[Canadian Auto Workers vote to merge with rival, form 'super union']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/#commentsFiled under: ,

CAW president Ken Lewenza gestures with arms open

How would you respond to the headline "No More Auto Workers Union"? Our northern neighbors will likely be bidding goodbye to their Canadian Auto Workers Union, as the membership has agreed to merge with the country's Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.

The Vancouver Sun is reporting that a unanimous vote of delegates at the CAW's convention has approved the merger. If finalized, the new organization will have more than 300,000 members, most of them working in manufacturing, communications and transportation. The CEP still has to vote on the proposal in October, but its president seems bullish on the merger, describing it as a "bigger and better union," according to the report.

CAW president Ken Lewenza (pictured above) agreed, saying, "This union will pose a serious challenge to the unrepresentative, unfair economic and political systems workers now find themselves caught in."

A new name for the combined organization has not yet been determined.

Canadian Auto Workers vote to merge with rival, form 'super union' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawcepcommunications energy and paperworkers unionken lewenzauawunionunionizingunionsunited auto workers unionThu, 23 Aug 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307560/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/20307560/article-detail.xml 20307560 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/canadaautonegotiations.3631686d62a34caca6ef535cbc29453a-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/canadaautonegotiations.3631686d62a34caca6ef535cbc29453a-opt.jpg <![CDATA[CAW making progress in drive to unionize Honda in Ontario]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/01/caw-making-progress-in-drive-to-unionize-honda-in-ontario/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/01/caw-making-progress-in-drive-to-unionize-honda-in-ontario/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/01/caw-making-progress-in-drive-to-unionize-honda-in-ontario/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

CAW President Ken LewenzaHonda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario, is unique in providing an employee recreation center with an NHL regulation-size hockey arena. But it could soon have another claim to notoriety: The first Japanese auto plant to go union.

According to Ward's Auto, Canadian Auto Workers President Ken Lewenza is bullish on efforts to organize the facility, which builds Honda Civic and CR-V, as well as the Acura MDX and ZDX. "We're getting some enthusiastic and strong support," he told Ward's, "but we're not there yet."

Both the CAW and the United Auto Workers have been trying for decades to organize at one of the Japanese transplant factories, but have met resistance, both from employees as well as the automakers. Lewenza says Honda has devoted "resources and time into keeping the union out," according to the report, including giving employees a handout that the CAW feels misrepresents Honda's wages when compared to unionized Chrysler, Ford and General Motors plants in Canada.

The report says labor talks between the CAW and the Big Three scheduled for September will be crucial for the union, given the resurgent strength of the Canadian dollar. Canada's labor costs are viewed as too high by the automakers, setting the stage for potential conflicts at the bargaining table. Of course, if the CAW could add to its 25,000 member base with Honda's roughly 4,500 Canadian workers, it could only help the union's negotiations.

CAW making progress in drive to unionize Honda in Ontario originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawhondaken lewenzauawUnited Auto WorkersSun, 01 Jul 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20269340/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/01/caw-making-progress-in-drive-to-unionize-honda-in-ontario/20269340/article-detail.xml 20269340 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ken-lewenza-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ken-lewenza-250.jpg <![CDATA[Canadian Auto Workers lobby government for national auto policy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/canadian-auto-workers-lobby-government-for-national-auto-policy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/canadian-auto-workers-lobby-government-for-national-auto-policy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/canadian-auto-workers-lobby-government-for-national-auto-policy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Canadian Auto Workers

Shortly after General Motors announced it would eliminate an assembly line at Oshawa, thereby eliminating 2,000 jobs, the Canadian Auto Workers union got on the phone to set up meetings with ministers from the three major political parties in Canada. The CAW didn't just want to jawbone and complain, either - it entered the meetings with a slate of breathtakingly ambitious initiatives that would comprise a national auto policy.

We're not sure if the union asked for everything hoping they could at least get half, but most of the ideas have little chance of leaving the printed page: the government should maintain minority stakes in automakers, devalue the Canadian dollar, secure manufacturing commitments from automakers, examine the feasibility of a Canadian carmaker and halt free-trade negotiations with the EU and other carmaking nations like Japan and Thailand. And in a move reminiscent of the Saab trustees' request to the U.S. government, the CAW, citing a "moral obligation" on the part of GM because the Canadian government still owns ten-percent stake in The General, asked MPs to strongly encourage GM to "to ensure continued investment in Canadian facilities and jobs."

After those bombshells, the additional requests of formally laying out a national manufacturing footprint and building a green automaker are soggy firecrackers by comparison. The blunt response of a Tory (conservative) MP who's a member of the Tory auto cacus was, "they want a highly labour-intensive auto industry behind protectionist walls and subsidized by taxpayers." CAW chief Ken Lewenza did claim that all parties agreed on the need for a national auto policy, nevertheless, we have a feeling it won't have much in common with the CAW's proposals.

Canadian Auto Workers lobby government for national auto policy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacawgeneral motorsgmken lewenzaoshawatoryMon, 11 Jun 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20253236/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/11/canadian-auto-workers-lobby-government-for-national-auto-policy/20253236/article-detail.xml 20253236 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/caw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/caw.jpg <![CDATA[Canada lagging behind U.S. auto recovery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/canada-lagging-behind-u-s-auto-recovery/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/canada-lagging-behind-u-s-auto-recovery/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/canada-lagging-behind-u-s-auto-recovery/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford St. Thomas plant

The Detroit Three are in much better financial shape than three years ago. General Motors and Ford are now profitable, and Chrysler appears poised to begin making real money soon. That success has lead to plans to spend billions of dollars on North American plants, but Automotive News reports that our friends to the north aren't seeing much of the money.

Ford, GM and Chrysler are reportedly planning to spend at least $13.3 billion in the U.S. in the next four years, but investment in Canadian plants is dropping fast. In fact, there was only $1.2 billion in plant spending in Canada in 2011, down 62 percent versus the average of the last decade. A big reason for the decline in spending is the strength of the Canadian dollar and the relative weakness of the U.S. dollar.

Automakers are also spending more in the U.S. thanks to a new labor agreement with the United Auto Workers, which helps level labor costs compared to foreign rivals. Meanwhile, automakers and the Canadian Auto Workers are now working on a new contract for 2012. The CAW has so far fought many of the cost cuts that the UAW has accepted.

To make matters worse for our northern neighbors, Ford closed the St. Thomas plant that once built the Lincoln Town Car and Ford Crown Victoria, and GM ha reportedly announced plans to build two models in the U.S. that are currently being built in Canada.

We're guessing that while the Canada announcements have been few and far between in the past year or two, that could change if the CAW makes a few concessions at the bargaining table in 2012. If not, auto jobs in Canada could be in real trouble.

Canada lagging behind U.S. auto recovery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacanadian auto plantcanadian auto workerscawchryslerfordgminvestmentmanufacturingplantsWed, 28 Dec 2011 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20135456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/28/canada-lagging-behind-u-s-auto-recovery/20135456/article-detail.xml 20135456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/ford-st-thomas_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/ford-st-thomas.jpg <![CDATA[Will GM shift Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain assembly to Spring Hill?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/will-gm-shift-chevy-equinox-and-gmc-terrain-assembly-to-spring-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/will-gm-shift-chevy-equinox-and-gmc-terrain-assembly-to-spring-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/will-gm-shift-chevy-equinox-and-gmc-terrain-assembly-to-spring-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

Automotive News is reporting that the Canadian Auto Workers union is concerned that General Motors may shift production of the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain from its current location near Toronto to the automaker's Spring Hill, Tennessee facility. GM recently agreed to open the southern plant as part of its agreement with the United Auto Workers, and CAW President Ken Lewenza says that the company won't tell him whether or not Equinox and Terrain production will continue to hang around his neck of the woods. GM, meanwhile, says that it won't comment on future production plans.

There is a chance that full-scale production of the two crossovers would remain in Canada while overflow production could land on the shoulders of the Spring Hill facility. That would retain jobs in both locations, and help GM alleviate its tight supply of the vehicles. Automotive News reports that currently, dealers are operating with a 33-day supply of Equinox models and a 42-day supply of Terrain vehicles. Those figures give the crossovers the distinction of having the thinnest supply of any of the automaker's high-volume vehicles.

Will GM shift Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain assembly to Spring Hill? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawchevrolet equinoxgeneral motorsgmgmc terrainspring hilluawunited auto workersFri, 23 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20050462/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/23/will-gm-shift-chevy-equinox-and-gmc-terrain-assembly-to-spring-h/20050462/article-detail.xml 20050462 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/chevrolet-equinox-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/chevrolet-equinox-630.jpg <![CDATA[New contract between Ford and UAW voted down over weekend]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/new-contract-between-ford-and-uaw-voted-down-over-weekend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/new-contract-between-ford-and-uaw-voted-down-over-weekend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/new-contract-between-ford-and-uaw-voted-down-over-weekend/#commentsFiled under: ,



What's good for the goose may be good for the gander, but what works for one country or automaker doesn't necessarily work for another. So while the Canadian Auto Workers union may have approved a new agreement with Ford, below the 49th parallel their compatriots apparently feel otherwise.

Up for ratification over the past week and into the weekend was a proposal that would essentially grant Ford the same measures that unionized auto workers extended to Chrysler and General Motors in the midst of their bankruptcy proceedings. The measures include limitations placed on the unionized workers' rights to strike for increased wages and benefits, as well as a reduction in paid vacation time, a broad wage freeze as well as one on cost-of-living adjustments and increased employee contributions towards insurance and pensions. The agreement would also allow the automaker more flexibility in shifting jobs around, and in exchange the workers expected more jobs to be created - or at least fewer to be lost.

Some union leaders pleaded with their constituents that ratification of the deal was essential to keeping all three of the Detroit automakers on an even keel, thereby maintaining a common ground on which to build negotiations for the future. However as voting drew to a close across the country this weekend, UAW members at three of Ford's largest U.S. plants - the Dearborn Truck Plant, Romeo Engine Plant and UAW Local 862 representing the Louisville Assembly Plant and Kentucky Truck Plant - all voted against the new contract, making its passage now virtually impossible.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

New contract between Ford and UAW voted down over weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workersCanadianAutoWorkerscawcontractcontract negotiationsContractNegotiationsfo mo coFoMoCoFordford motor companyFordMotorCompanynegotiationratifyuawunionUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersMon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19218656/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/02/new-contract-between-ford-and-uaw-voted-down-over-weekend/19218656/article-detail.xml 19218656 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/ford-chicagoworkers-scottolson-getty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/ford-chicagoworkers-scottolson-getty.jpg <![CDATA[(Black and) Blue Oval: Ford of Canada labor costs reportedly world's highest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/black-and-blue-oval-ford-of-canada-labor-costs-reportedly-wor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/black-and-blue-oval-ford-of-canada-labor-costs-reportedly-wor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/black-and-blue-oval-ford-of-canada-labor-costs-reportedly-wor/#commentsFiled under: ,



it wasn't long ago that U.S. automakers were producing a high percentage of their new products in Canada because labor costs were lower up north than are here in the States. The cost paradigm changed considerably after GM and Chrysler went into Chapter 11 reorganization, as the ailing automakers secured better labor deals with both U.S. and Canadian unions, making the UAW and CAW more competitive versus Japanese automakers.

The United Auto Workers renegotiated with Ford, giving Dearborn terms similar to those it gave GM and Chrysler. Ford reportedly told The Globe and Mail that it now pays about $52 per hour for U.S. labor after benefits. Unfortunately for Ford, the CAW hasn't extended the same helping hand labor-wise, and the Blue Oval isn't very happy. Ford says it is paying $16 more per hour for its Canadian workforce than it is for U.S. workers. In fact, Ford says its labor situation in Canada is so bad that the Blue Oval alleges its labor costs there are now higher than in any other region on earth.

The Canadian Auto Workers union appears willing to negotiate, but The Globe and Mail reports that it wants job security in return. Ford's St. Thomas plant, which currently builds the Panther-platformed Lincoln Town Car, Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, is scheduled for closure at some point in the next two years, and the CAW would like Ford to instead guarantee a new product for the facility. The CAW says it wants to continue to account for 13% of Ford's North American production, but closing the plant and laying off its 1,600 workers would shrink that number to 9%. So far, neither party seems to be budging, but we have a feeling Ford won't be paying the highest labor rates anywhere for very much longer.

[Source: The Globe and Mail]

(Black and) Blue Oval: Ford of Canada labor costs reportedly world's highest originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cawcrown victoriaCrownVictoriafordgran marquisGranMarquisst thomas plantStThomasPlanttown carTownCaruawSat, 03 Oct 2009 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19182721/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/03/black-and-blue-oval-ford-of-canada-labor-costs-reportedly-wor/19182721/article-detail.xml 19182721 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/st.thomas-assembly_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/st.thomas-assembly.jpg <![CDATA[FYI: UAW releases list of 2010 cars and trucks made in union shops]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/fyi-uaw-releases-list-of-2010-cars-and-trucks-made-in-union-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/fyi-uaw-releases-list-of-2010-cars-and-trucks-made-in-union-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/fyi-uaw-releases-list-of-2010-cars-and-trucks-made-in-union-sho/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There's "Buy American!" and then there's "Buy Union!" If you're among the most serious about keeping your red-white-and-blue money in the U.S. of A North America and organized labor is close to your ticker, then you'll want to check out this list put together by the United Auto Workers. It lists all of the vehicles made in America and Canada by union labor -- either UAW or CAW.

Naturally, it's heavy on domestic offerings, but if you're devoted to imports you can still avail yourself of a few Toyotas, Mazdas, Mitsubishis, and a VW Routan, and support "workers who enjoy the benefits and protections of a union contract." Nevertheless, knowing how some feel about unions all we ask is please stay on topic and please be kind to your virtual neighbor. Let the comments begin...

[Source: UAW]

FYI: UAW releases list of 2010 cars and trucks made in union shops originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacawmanufacturingplantplantsuawunionunionsusaThu, 24 Sep 2009 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19171830/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/24/fyi-uaw-releases-list-of-2010-cars-and-trucks-made-in-union-sho/19171830/article-detail.xml 19171830 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/uaw_car_list_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/uaw_car_list.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Two plants saved from closing under new GM/UAW agreement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/30/report-two-plants-saved-from-closing-under-new-gm-uaw-agreement/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/30/report-two-plants-saved-from-closing-under-new-gm-uaw-agreement/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/30/report-two-plants-saved-from-closing-under-new-gm-uaw-agreement/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



According to the Detroit Free Press, the 14 plants that General Motors is expected to announce for closure on Monday was going to be 16 plants until the UAW got its way on Capitol Hill. The union charged GM with closing factories, but instead of a commensurate reduction in production, GM was moving some of the manufacturing elsewhere, specifically China and Mexico.

GM said it will produce 1.83 million cars in the U.S. 2014 as opposed to 2 million today, and it would get one-third of its production that year from overseas. That one-third would notably be small cars, so much in play lately for every reason. The UAW suggested it would be amenable to "innovative labor agreement provisions" in order to make small car production work for GM domestically.

In that case it isn't Mexico or China that will suffer, but Canada. Our northern neighbor is expected to lose 23% of its GM export production (has anyone told CAW head Ken Lewenza yet?) while Asian importation climbs 98%.

For now, an assembly plant and a stamping plant have been spared from the initial list of U.S. closures. Another four plants have been designated "stand-by locations" that will come on line in case of a steep rebound in auto sales.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Two plants saved from closing under new GM/UAW agreement originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assemblyassembly plantAssemblyPlantcanadacawchinageneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmanufacturingmexicoplantsstampingstamping plantStampingPlantuawunionunionsSat, 30 May 2009 14:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19049107/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/30/report-two-plants-saved-from-closing-under-new-gm-uaw-agreement/19049107/article-detail.xml 19049107 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/gm_uaw_factsav_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/gm_uaw_factsav.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: GM reaches deal with Canadian Auto Workers union]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/report-gm-reaches-deal-with-canadian-auto-workers-union/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/report-gm-reaches-deal-with-canadian-auto-workers-union/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/report-gm-reaches-deal-with-canadian-auto-workers-union/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After two weeks of intense negotiations, General Motors Canada and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union have reached a deal that will help the automaker cut costs, allowing it to meet the terms for additional government loans. Ken Lewenza, head of the CAW, said it was "a struggle" to reach a deal with GM, but he added that the union had done the best it could under the circumstances, saying: "we have protected most of our core benefits."

Wages, pensions and most benefits were preserved, although restructured in some instances. The union's pension rates will be frozen until 2015, for instance. The deal also keeps GM's plants in Oshawa, St. Catharines and Woodstock open for the foreseeable future. In total, it is believed that the new deal will result in $15 to $16 hourly wage savings on average. The announcement comes a day after the UAW reached a deal of its own with GM.

Although a different agreement was signed with the CAW in March, it had been rejected by the provincial and federal governments who wanted more cost-cutting to avoid bankruptcy. Although GM now appears to be heading in the same direction as Chrysler, hopefully there will be enough progress before the June 1 deadline to keep Chapter 11 a viable option. All told, the recent deals mean that 16 GM factories will close and an additional 21,000 hourly workers will be out of a job.

[Source: CTV]

REPORT: GM reaches deal with Canadian Auto Workers union originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workersCanadianAutoWorkerscawgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm bailoutgm bankruptcyGmBailoutGmBankruptcyKen LewenzaKenLewenzauawFri, 22 May 2009 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1554087/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/22/report-gm-reaches-deal-with-canadian-auto-workers-union/1554087/article-detail.xml 1554087 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/caw_colour_logo_web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/caw_colour_logo_web.jpg <![CDATA[BREAKING: GM and UAW reach tentative agreement over new contract, bankruptcy looms regardless]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/breaking-gm-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-over-new-contract/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/breaking-gm-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-over-new-contract/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/breaking-gm-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-over-new-contract/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Though we were just warned that new deals between General Motors and the major auto unions in the U.S. and Canada were unlikely to be completed by their May 27 deadline, word has begun spreading that a tentative agreement has been reached between GM and the United Auto Workers union. While there's no word yet on a deal having been reached between GM and the Canadian Auto Workers union, the major obstacle of convincing the UAW to accept equity in the company in exchange for cash payments to its retiree health care fund appears to have been overcome, pending an official announcement from both parties and a vote by the UAW rank-and-file membership.

Like the deal recently reached by the union and bankrupt Chrysler, the UAW would get a 38% stake of GM for the purposes of funding its VEBA retiree health care trust. Also like its deal with Chrysler, the UAW presumably would not have a controlling interest in GM and sell off its stake as soon as the company was viable.

If true, only two major obstacles remain to avoid a bankruptcy filing before GM's government-imposed June 1 deadline. The first is getting CAW to follow the UAW's lead and sign a new agreement, and the second is to get the majority of GM bondholders to accept a debt-for-equity swap that would erase $27 billion of the automaker's debt but leave creditors with only a 10% stake in the company. The UAW would have its proposed 38% stake, common GM shareholders would hold a 1% stake and the U.S. government would have a majority stake of 51%. Its creditors, however, do not appear willing to accept GM's debt-for-equity offer as it stands, so unless a miracle happens in the next two weeks, a Chrysler-like Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing still appears the most likely result.

[Source: CNN Money, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]

BREAKING: GM and UAW reach tentative agreement over new contract, bankruptcy looms regardless originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcybreakingcawgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm bankruptcygm uawgm uaw agreementGmBankruptcyGmUawGmUawAgreementuawThu, 21 May 2009 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1553052/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/21/breaking-gm-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-over-new-contract/1553052/article-detail.xml 1553052 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/86479071_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/86479071_opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM warns UAW and Treasury deals won't be done in time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/gm-warns-uaw-and-treasury-deals-wont-be-done-in-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/gm-warns-uaw-and-treasury-deals-wont-be-done-in-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/gm-warns-uaw-and-treasury-deals-wont-be-done-in-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Not that it should come as a major shock to anyone paying attention over the last few weeks, but in a regulatory filing submitted by General Motors on Tuesday, the beleaguered automaker has admitted that it's unlikely to have acceptable deals negotiated with the either the United Auto Workers or Canadian Auto Workers unions before the previously announced deadline of May 27.

Equally as unsurprising are rumors that GM's plan to begin importing 50,000+ cars from China by 2014 is one of the major stumbling blocks in UAW negotiations. Other sticking points surely include how best to slash the desired $1 billion in annual labor costs that the two parties reportedly targeted and how to fund the Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (VEBA) health care trust.

Furthermore, the Detroit Free Press is reporting that CAW union leaders are upset at the way they are being treated in negotiations. A flier passed out to Canadian union workers had this to say:
"Because the Canadian and U.S. governments are planning a joint effort to support GM's restructuring, we now face a dangerous attempt to enforce a 'cookie-cutter' approach on our bargaining. This philosophy is absolutely offensive to us as Canadians."
More than ever before, it seems almost a foregone conclusion that GM will file for bankruptcy on June 1st. Hold on tight, this promises to be a wild ride.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

GM warns UAW and Treasury deals won't be done in time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workersCanadianAutoWorkerscawgeneral motorsgeneral motors bankruptgeneral motors bankruptcyGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsBankruptGeneralMotorsBankruptcygmgm bankruptgm bankruptcyGmBankruptGmBankruptcyuawunited auto workersUnitedAutoWorkersThu, 21 May 2009 08:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1551524/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/21/gm-warns-uaw-and-treasury-deals-wont-be-done-in-time/1551524/article-detail.xml 1551524 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/ren-cen-joe-louis-statue-pugliano-getty-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/ren-cen-joe-louis-statue-pugliano-getty-580.jpg -1 2