Canadian autoworkers OK Ford contract

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TORONTO, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Auto workers in Canada have approved a four-year contract with Ford Motor Co. by a wide margin, their union leaders said Sunday.

The Canadian Auto Workers said in a release posted on its website that the deal received a thumbs-up from 82 percent of the members who voted at ratification meetings Saturday and Sunday in Hamilton, Windsor and Brampton in Ontario.

"Our members at Ford recognize that in these uncertain economic times, some of the most important elements of a new collective agreement are future investment and improved job security," CAW President Ken Lewenza said. "This new agreement will ensure that our facilities are well-positioned for a strong future in the North American auto industry."

The CAW represents about 4,500 Ford workers. Voting took place at a series of ratification meetings Saturday and Sunday in Hamilton, Windsor and Brampton, Ontario.

The CAW has reached a tentative agreement with General Motors Co. and members are to vote on it Wednesday and Thursday.

The third Big Three automaker, Chrysler Group LLC, has yet to reach a deal with the union, though negotiations have continued beyond the expiration of the previous contract.

The CAW represents a total of about 16,500 workers at GM and Chrysler.