As many of our members would be aware, the lockout action taken by Caterpillar against employees at the Electro-Motive plant in London, ON have been in the national news since it first began.  The reason is that unfortunately, it is part of a pattern that has become increasingly and alarmingly familiar:  A large, foreign, multinational corporation takes ownership of a Canadian workplace and strips it bare, running the workers and local community into the ground.  …and once again in this case, the parent company enjoys a year of record-breaking profits.

After meeting in person with CAW Local 27 Plant Chairman Bob Scott, the situation was too much to ignore.  Although the company is asking for a number of drastic concessions, the first among the company’s demands??  A 50% wage cut.  It’s impossible to imagine that ANY household could sustain this type of loss.  Instead of negotiating with workers, they are literally locked out and left in the cold.

The local community has rallied around these workers.  The issue has gained prominence in the national spotlight as well as garnering international coverage.  The headlines can be misleading, however – it’s not just unions who are under attack.  WORKERS are under attack.

As we’ve stated at membership meetings coast to coast, it’s time for our Local Union to take further steps towards the issues that affect our communities and our country.  Although it is a relatively small gesture, I am proud to say that our Local has made a modest donation to the lockout fund for our brothers and sisters who are affected by this lockout.

As workers, we are all in this together.  Want to know more?  Want to get involved?  Please take a look at the information provided in the links below.

In Solidarity,

Dylan Gadwa
President – CAW Local 2000

• CAW coverage
• Toronto Star
• Montreal Gazette
• Vancouver Sun

Electro-Motive Protest - Sat, Jan 21st

Bob Scott (Plant Chair, Electro-Motive) and Dylan Gadwa (President - CAW Local 2000)