CAW says auto talks have picked up pace, but yielded little results so far

TORONTO—The Canadian Auto Workers’ (CAW) union says the pace of meetings with the Big 3 U.S. automakers have picked up ahead of a strike deadline next week, but is cautioning they have yielded little results so far.

In a bulletin to its members, the union says the threat of a strike has captured the attention of the auto company executives.

However, the CAW says all three companies appear to be fixated on concessions.

The union has said that General Motors, Chrysler and Ford are demanding a two-tiered workforce, the elimination of cost-of-living adjustments and dramatic changes to their pension plans.

The automakers are seeking the elimination of a full pension for employees with 30 years service, a shift to a defined contribution pension plan for current workers, as well as cuts to prescription drug benefits.

For their part, the automakers are looking to pare labour costs in Canada, which they say are higher than in the United States.