Canada's Flaherty urges union to talk to auto cos

OTTAWA, March 30 (Reuters) - Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty on Monday urged the Canadian Auto Workers union to restart talks with major firms on how to further cut salaries and compensation.

Hours earlier, CAW head Ken Lewenza said he had no plan to reopen a cost-cutting agreement with General Motors Canada (GM.N).

"I encourage the union leadership very seriously to go back and speak with the management people in the companies ... there has to be some fundamental work done on compensation," Flaherty told reporters when asked about Lewenza's comments and whether more concessions had to be made on wages. (Editing by Jeffrey Hodgson)