Chrysler threatens Canada with plant closures

Chrysler president Tom LaSorda has threatened one of its best markets, Canada, with a shutdown of its plants if it cannot get massive concessions from the Canadian Auto Workers. Chrysler currently produces all its minivans and large cars, along with many parts, in Canada; the company’s Windsor, Ontario plant has traditionally had higher quality than its corresponding American plants. 9,000 employees are directly affected. 

LaSorda claimed that the CAW’s negotiated wages led to a $20 per hour disadvantage compared to Asian automakers. 

While the rumored, Challenger-based Chrysler 200C would be a natural for the Bramalea plant in Canada, the plant manager has reportedly said that it might be produced there only if plant workers “earned it.” A similar statement was made regarding the Challenger before it was assigned to Bramalea.