CAW Pattern Bargaining Points Up Not Down

Ford Canada workers havent given up the concessions that GM and Fiat/Chrysler workers have in the current auto industry crisis. Although Ford hasnt suffered to the same extent as its competitors, the leadership is publicly calling for similar give-backs, in exchange for promises of jobs and investment.

We, the undersigned Canadian autoworkers, reject the idea of setting a Pattern Agreement downwards, matching the lowest level. Ford workers shouldnt be forced to give up any new concessions. This will only undermine efforts to defend what we have, make progress in the future more difficult and strengthen Ford's argument that they need more concessions to remain competitive.

The union should insist that the current Ford agreement should become the new pattern that workers at GM-Canada and Fiat/Chrysler Canada should match. If Ford workers refuse concessions, this will only strengthen our collective solidarity and power. The era of concessions needs to stop now.