Canadian union nears GM, Chrysler contract deals

DETROIT, May 14 (Reuters) - The Canadian Auto Workers union plans to continue talks overnight with General Motors Corp (GM.N) and Chrysler LLC, and expects to reach contract deals with both automakers by Thursday, CAW President Buzz Hargrove said late on Wednesday.

The CAW had set an initial deadline of Wednesday evening to reach contracts with the two Detroit-based automakers that would follow the pattern it established in a now-ratified 3-year contract with Ford Motor Co (F.N).

Hargrove, speaking to reporters on a conference call, said a "handful" of contract issues still divided the Canadian union and Chrysler and GM, but he repeated that the CAW would not accept a two-tier wage system for workers at either company.

"We've moved the envelope pretty well at both tables," Hargrove said, adding "We're very proud of the fact that we're close with GM and Chrysler."