Source: Toronta Star

"DaimlerChrysler Canada Ltd. is seeking local union contract changes in efforts to improve productivity and win new niche models for assembly plants in Windsor and Brampton.

The company won't confirm high-level discussions with the Canadian Auto Workers union, but an internal management document shows it is looking for ways to become more efficient and maintain three-shift operations at the two booming plants.

Senior CAW officials acknowledged the two sides talked about productivity earlier this month but have not focused yet on any possible proposals to cut costs.

"It was a meeting where we looked at things in general and how we could best position the Canadian plants and ourselves to get these products," CAW president Buzz Hargrove said in an interview yesterday.

DaimlerChrysler, which has experienced a resurgence in recent years, wants to make a decision on the new vehicles this summer.

DaimlerChrysler is considering building a minivan for Volkswagen in Windsor starting in July 2008 and the Dodge Challenger sports car in Brampton in April the same year, according to the internal document. The company is also looking at its operations in St. Louis to assemble both new vehicles.

The document, obtained by the Toronto Star, says DaimlerChrysler estimates annual production of 50,000 Challengers and an investment of $145 million (U.S.) to ready the model.

DaimlerChrysler is still trying to establish a business case for the Challenger, which created a buzz at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

The DaimlerChrysler document adds that the company forecasts annual output of 53,000 Volkswagen minivans and $137 million in spending "