Report: Supplier strike may lead to shutdown of Chrysler’s minivan line

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, UAW/Unions, Canada

2011 Chrysler Town & Country – Click above for high-res image gallery

Integram Seating is a parts supplier for Chrysler. The factory workers there produce seats, which are then sent to the Pentastar’s Windsor Assembly plant to be installed in the brand’s Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan people movers. The popular family vehicles are set to get an update for 2011, but according to CBS News, their assembly may be put on hold because 700 workers at Ingram Seating have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike. If Integram’s employees walk and Chrysler doesn’t have seats to put into its vehicles, production will almost certainly be halted. the supplier’s union, Canadian Auto Workers Local 4-44, says the majority vote is intended to send a message to the company.

Workers at Integram Seating have not had a pay raise in four years and the average wage there is about $24.32 per hour. The strike will occur if no labor contract has been worked out by November 7, the expiration date for the current agreement.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country