Deal Struck

Chrysler Group's product strategy for its assembly plant in Brampton, ON, Canada, is back on track following workers' approval of previously rejected concessions.

Chrysler sought concessions from the Canadian Auto Workers union such as the elimination of a wage premium. In return, the auto maker promised a fifth product for the plant by 2010.

Union representatives say Chrysler has not identified the product, but Ward's learns it is a version of the Imperial concept car that debuted last year at the Detroit auto show.

Brampton, which employs about 3,500 hourly workers, already builds the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger fullsize sedan, as well as the Dodge Magnum cross/utility vehicle. Chrysler already has promised it will build the '08 Dodge Challenger “muscle coupe.”

The changes endorsed by 78% of Brampton's hourly workers who cast ballots at a March 11 meeting include the forfeiture of about C$134 ($115) per week.

The March 11 vote saw 802 fewer ballots cast than the previous Feb. 19 vote, when 79% of workers chose to reject Chrysler's proposal. The rejection prompted Frank Ewasyshyn, Chrysler executive group vice president-manufacturing, to call CAW President Buzz Hargrove and warn that investment destined for Brampton could be headed to a U.S. plant, the union says.

This discussion spurred a call for a second vote.