The Canadian Auto Workers union says it has reached a tentative agreement with Chrysler, signalling a successful end to labour negotiations at all Big Three automakers without resorting to a strike.

CAW president Ken Lewenza says the deal meets the pattern set in deals already reached with Ford and General Motors.

He says Chrysler will be better positioned in the industry as a result of the negotiations.

The union's tone with Chrysler had changed dramatically from a week ago when Lewenza had urged the automaker to ``get serious'' and table a proposal that followed the pattern set with agreements at Ford and General Motors.

The CAW reached a tentative agreement with Ford on Sept. 17, which workers accepted by a margin of 82 per cent.

The union also reached an agreement with General Motors on Sept. 20, which is in the process of being voted on.

Chrysler's Canadian operations account for 25 per cent of its global production, the largest of the U.S. automakers.

(Canadian Press)