CAW Hints At Job Action To Stop GM Layoffs
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The Canadian Auto Workers union is hinting at everything from a walkout to a lawsuit to stop the closure of a General Motors truck plant in Oshawa. The news of a loss of at least 1,000 jobs was confirmed on Tuesday, throwing the union, its workers and the plant into turmoil.
Visibly angry union reps appeared several hours later at a hastily called press conference to warn GM execs that they don't intend to let the positions disappear without a major fight. The CAW is furious because the company signed a new collective agreement less than a month ago that promised their jobs would be retained until at least 2009 and beyond - and they had no idea that the gears would be so suddenly and randomly put in reverse.
The company blames higher gas prices and a severe drop in demand for fuel-consuming trucks and SUVS made at the plant for the moves. But the union calls that a smoke screen, insisting the vehicles will still be made, with the work moving to Mexico or some other cheaper labour locale.