Canadian Auto Workers union says it’s hopeful a deal with Chrysler Canada

Canadian union says deal near with Chrysler

TORONTO — The Canadian Auto Workers union says it is close to agreement on a deal with Chrysler Canada.

CAW spokeswoman Shannon Devine says she is hopeful a deal will be reached late Friday afternoon.

Chrysler and the CAW have been negotiating since Monday in hopes of having a labor agreement that can be ratified before an April 30 deadline.

Chrysler has until then to get concessions from its unions in Canada and the U.S. and cement a technology-sharing alliance with Italy’s Fiat. It would then provide a restructuring plan to governments in both countries to qualify for loans to keep the struggling automaker afloat.

If it fails to meet the deadline, Chrysler will likely be forced to file for bankruptcy protection or liquidate the company.