The Canadian Auto Workers union struck a tentative four-year deal with Ford on Monday, just hours ahead of a midnight strike deadline, and said it will ask Chrysler and GM to accept the deal as a pattern settlement.

``It's a damn good deal in these economic times, it is a damn good deal,'' said CAW president Ken Lewenza.

The agreement will see 800 laid off Ford employees get back to work, partially through the creation of 600 new jobs at its Canadian operations. Most of the new positions will be at its Oakville, Ont. assembly plant in two stages of hiring, he said.

There are no base wage increases during the life of the agreement, which lasts until September 2016, but each employee will receive $2,000 a year in the second, third and fourth years of the contract to cover cost of living increases, and a $3,000 ratification bonus.

Existing contracts at the three big automakers expire at one minute before midnight Monday.

Lewenza called on General Motors and Chrysler to follow Ford's lead, but added if Chrysler and GM refuse to follow Ford's pattern, ``we will have to withdraw our labour.''

(The Canadian Press)