LABOR

DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. moved up the charts in the eyes of the Canadian Auto Workers union, which has yet to select a target in negotiations on contracts that expire Sept. 17.

Strong second-quarter earnings by DaimlerChrysler AG prompts the CAW to do some rethinking. “There's no reason now to sympathize with Chrysler or say that we have to exclude them because of their financial situation,” says CAW President Buzz Hargrove. “They're strong enough now to lead bargaining.”

The union says it has the best relationship with Chrysler. That crown was worn by Ford of Canada Ltd. until the decision to close the Ontario Truck F-Series plant in Oakville, Ont., and relocate the work to Dearborn, MI. GM of Canada Ltd. has been bucking hard to lead off negotiations and set the pattern the rest must follow.

The CAW seeks wage increases, more time off and improved benefits. But the sticklers in this round of talks is expected to be plant closures as each of the Big Three have a Canadian plant scheduled to close.

The biggest battle will be with Ford, but Hargrove vows he won't leave the Chrysler table without a commitment for new product at the Pillette Road plant in Windsor, Ont.