The Canadian Auto Workers union is breaking with past practice and not immediately announcing a target company as it works to negotiate new national labour agreements with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.
Traditionally, one company is chosen after Labour Day to set the pattern agreement the others are expected to match.
The union on Wednesday distributed leaflets in Canadian auto plants, saying the different approach is because "none of the three companies have demonstrated that they are serious about reaching an agreement."
As a result, local unions have been asked to start preparing for a strike when the agreements expire Sept. 17.
"We must be prepared though to shut down operations at all three, should we be unable to reach an agreement," union leaders have told members.
Talks continue with all three automakers, but in the past week, little progress was made, the CAW reports.
The Detroit automakers have said Canada has become the most expensive place to make vehicles, in part because the union has not adopted a two-tier wage system and in part because the strong Canadian dollar has made manufacturing more expensive in Canada.
