CAW says Chrysler told it they are "far apart"
Fri Mar 27, 2009 11:50am EDT
TORONTO, March 27 (Reuters) - Chrysler's management indicated to the Canadian Auto Workers union that the two sides were "far apart" in negotiations to reach a cost-saving deal, the head of the union said on Friday.
CAW President Ken Lewenza made the comments as he announced the two sides had failed to come to an agreement, but he said they would continue to negotiate up to a government-imposed March 31 deadline.
Ottawa set the March 31 deadline for Chrysler to prove it can be viable so the automaker can qualify for federal and provincial aid.
Chrysler, controlled by Cerberus Capital Management [CBS.UL], warned in recent weeks it would look at closing its plants in Canada if significant concessions from the union cannot be obtained. (Reporting by John McCrank, writing by Cameron French; editing by Rob Wilson)
Just close the damn plants already!
Yep. 7000 jobs are nothing to sneeze at, but Cerberus can go to hell.
Even if the unions are taken care of, they still have that godawful product lineup to move.