CAW is onboard for plant renovation; New work rules OK'd; Ford awaits pledge from Canada, Ontario.(News)(Canadian Auto Workers)

Byline: Amy Wilson

On May 16, the Canadian Auto Workers overwhelmingly approved new work rules that could lead to a major investment at Ford Motor Co.'s Oakville, Ontario, assembly operations. Ford wants government and union commitments before deciding whether to spend $1 billion Canadian, or about $720 million, to renovate Oakville.

On May 14, Ford and the CAW had reached a tentative agreement on more flexible work rules and operating procedures. Out of about 1,600 Local 707 members, 92 percent of production workers and 97 percent of skilled trades workers approved the pact, said Bob Chernecki, assistant to CAW President Buzz Hargrove.

In addition …