Canadian auto workers ratify 3-year Ford contract

TORONTO (AP) - The Canadian Auto Workers have voted to ratify a three-year contract with Ford Motor Co.

CAW spokeswoman Shannon Devine says the membership voted 78 percent in favor on Sunday.

The union says deal keeps Ford's labor costs essentially the same as they are now.

The deal freezes wages and cuts vacation pay but avoids changes to base wages. It also prevents the two-tier wage system used in the U.S., where new hires would be paid about half the hourly wages of older employees.

The union expects GM and Chrysler to accept similar terms.

Negotiations with GM start Monday and talks with Chrysler begin Tuesday.