NO STRIKE As Canada Auto Union Says YES To Ford Offer

TORONTO, Sept 30 Reuters reported that the Canadian Auto Workers union said on Monday it reached a tentative three-year contract agreement with Ford Motor Co. of Canada, beating the deadline of midnight on Tuesday for a strike that could have crippled the automaker's North American operations.

No details of the three-year agreement were immediately available, but it was expected to mirror closely a deal ratified by General Motors of Canada workers last week.

That three-year agreement gave them a three-percent wage increase in the first two years and a two-percent hike in the third year, a C$1,000 ($633.00) signing bonus, 36 hours in additional paid time off and improved healthcare benefits.

The union will now vote to ratify the Ford agreement, then turn its sights on DaimlerChrysler Canada, with an eye to wrapping up negotiations by mid-October.