Thousands of Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) members working at Chrysler facilities in Brampton, Windsor and Etobicoke have voted in favour of a new restructuring agreement, ratifying the deal by 87 per cent during a series of meetings held over the past two days. The deal was reached on April 24 between the two sides.

"Our members understand better than anyone the current turmoil of the domestic auto industry," said CAW President Ken Lewenza. "The high acceptance of this agreement is a recognition that although workers did not cause this crisis, we all have an interest in maintaining good jobs and ensuring the auto industry remains central to the overall Canadian economy."

The deal is the second cost-cutting agreement reached between the CAW and Chrysler in less than a year and includes cuts to benefits, a reduction in time off, relief time and the formation of Canadian Health Care Trust fund, the first of its kind in the country. The CAW-Chrysler deal will be the basis for negotiating new agreements with General Motors and Ford, said Lewenza. No dates have been set for opening negotiations with either of the other two companies.

The results by location are as follows:

CAW Local 1459, Etobicoke
Production:  92% in favour
Skilled Trades: 76% in favour
Office: 100% in favour
Combined total: 88% in favour

CAW Local 1285, Brampton
Production: 76% in favour
Skilled Trades: 91% in favour
Office: 100% in favour
Combined total: 79% in favour

CAW Local 444, Windsor
Production: 90.5% in favour
Skilled Trades: 88.9% in favour
Combined total: 90.3% in favour

CAW Local 1498
Office: 97% in favour

CAW Local 195
Security: 100% in favour

Combined Totals:
Total Production: 86% in favour
Total Skilled Trades: 89% in favour
Total Office: 99% in favour
Total Security: 100% in favour

Overall total: 87% in favour