TORONTO - Workers at Chrysler, General Motors and Ford have voted overwhelmingly to go on strike if necessary, backing up their bargaining committees with a strong mandate.

Canadian Auto Worker (CAW) members at Chrysler have voted 99 percent in favor, General Motors 98 percent and Ford 97 percent in favor of going on strike if necessary. The votes were conducted in a series of meetings over the last week and this past weekend.

CAW President Ken Lewenza said he is pleased with the high strike mandate and that it's a clear sign of members' confidence in the three master bargaining committees. "Our members support their bargaining committees and trust them to negotiate a fair settlement that shares in the success of the companies," said Lewenza.

The strike vote tallies come as negotiations with the three auto companies resume today and tomorrow, downtown Toronto at the Sheraton Centre. The last CAW strike was in 1996, against General Motors. The current contract expires on September 17 at 11:59 p.m.