CAW are preparing for talks with the three giants of Detroit

The Union of Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) is preparing for further discussion with the three major North American automakers, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

The federal government has provided billions of dollars to help Canadian divisions of the big three Detroit automakers, but specifies that such aid is conditional has concessions from unions, among other things.

The CAW president Ken Lewenza says the cost of labor does not cause the crisis that has engulfed the automotive industry, pushing GM and Chrysler to the brink of bankruptcy .

But Lewenza also said that his union could not ignore the financial condition of these companies as well as offers of government assistance.

Discussions between the CAW and automakers could begin next week.

However, the union group says there were several conditions that he participates, including commitments from automakers as to the future of manufacturing activity in Canada.