You can mark down Tuesday, June 23rd 2009 as an important and historic date for the Niagara region. The Drive to Work Campaign will be rolling through the streets of Niagara. The multi-vehicle caravan will drive by plants that have been devastated by the downturn in the economy. The purpose of the tour is to draw attention to the plight of the workers who are being impacted, and to the devastation in the region and across the country.
Thousands of workers have lost their jobs and families are losing their homes. Severance payments are being denied by companies that have made millions and then moved offshore. When severance is paid, the payment delays the employment insurance. Hospitals are being closed and vital services are being cut.
As a concerned citizen, I am frustrated and tired with our government's inaction. They are sitting on their hands while our economy shrivels and the working middle class evaporates. We have fought in every forum; at the bargaining table, in the courts, in the boardrooms, in the legislature and have even occupied plants when it was necessary to do so.
Now I am calling on you once again to join us and to fight for what's right. We have a chance to force change in this province. Come and make history with us!
We would like to invite all our members to join with other unions, our retirees, the steel workers, the OFL, the district labour council, unionized and non unionized workers from across the province, on this historic day.
To show your support for the workers in our community who have lost their jobs (if you are available), please meet the caravan at one of the rally points listed below.
Following the events of the day everyone is invited to a free concert and food at the union hall featuring "Anne Feeney" and "More Bad News & The Horns From Hell" starting at 4:15 p.m.
Overflow concert parking is at Kernahan Park School across from the union hall.
CAW members and leadership rallied at Kim Craitor's office, MP for Niagara Falls, to highlight to fact that Edscha is refusing to pay severance to workers who are losing their jobs.
Initially the Union was fighting to keep the plant open but it has become apparent that Edscha's plan is to close the plant, sell the equipment and not pay the workers.
Every worker who works for a multinational company should be very concerned that companies can pull up their roots, sell off the equipment and send the money to another country, leaving unpaid debt and liabilities in Canada.
The Canadian government needs to instate legislation protecting Canadian interests and workers severance before plants and all the money is all shifted offshore.
The Ratification Vote was held on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at Brock University. This meeting was very well attended by the membership (both active and retirees).
The Production vote was ratified by 86.5% and the Skilled Trades vote was ratified at 87%.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership of Local 199 who looked after the membership in our absence. They played a major role in representing the membership during that uncertain time.
The Negotiating Committee would also like to thank the entire membership for their overwhelming show of support.
A Bargaining Update for All CAW Members and Retirees at GM
May 19, 2009
We Are Approaching a Moment of Truth
Dear Sisters and Brothers;
We would like to provide you with an update from the special contract talks between the CAW and General Motors.
As you know, GM is on the verge of bankruptcy. It is being kept alive by financial assistance from the U.S. and Canadian governments.
The federal and Ontario governments tore up our March 2009 contract, and instructed us to negotiate a new collective agreement
with GM by May 15. This represents the third time in a year we have negotiated with GM. On May 6, the governments also instructed us to
attain savings to reduce hourly labour costs to the same level as Toyota Canada.
Your elected bargaining committee representatives have been through hell in the last ten days, in a determined and courageous effort to
meet the government's demands, while preserving the principles our union has fought for at GM for the last 70 years.
Principles like living up to a contract. Providing a safe and liveable workplace. Supporting each other when we’re sick or injured. Looking
after our spouses and dependents. Getting a fair, reliable pension, after we’ve worked incredibly hard for 30 years or more. And getting a
fair share of the incredible value-added we continue to produce with our labour.
The May 15 deadline has come and gone. We're still in incredibly intense talks - not just with GM, but with the federal and provincial
governments, too. They continue to interfere in the process, making new demands all the time. Their lack of experience in labour
relations, and their repeated threats to pull the plug entirely on GM Canada, have made this process all the more difficult.
And it now seems clear to us there is still one more player involved in these talks - behind the scenes, but powerful all the same. That new
player is the U.S. government. Some of the new demands placed on the CAW in this bargaining clearly originated south of the border.
Because the Canadian and U.S. governments are planning a joint effort to support GM's restructuring, we now face a dangerous attempt to enforce
a "cookie-cutter" approach on our bargaining. In other words, whatever is done in the U.S., must also be done in Canada. This philosophy is
absolutely offensive to us as Canadians, and it is leading the governments to demand things that are neither economically necessary nor
tolerable. Moreover, this philosophy ignores the very different situations and cost structures in Canada compared to the U.S. Thanks to our
medicare system, GM spends one-twentieth as much on retiree health benefits in Canada as in the U.S. Our productivity is superior to the U.S.
And our labour costs are lower. It makes no sense to impose a 'one-size-fits-all' formula on us, that ignores Canada's advantage.
The CAW recognizes the enormous risks facing GM in Canada, and globally. Outright liquidation would be an economic and social catastrophe-
for our members, and for hundreds of thousands of other Canadians. Pensions would be cut by half, or even more. Retiree health benefits would
disappear. Plants would close, and jobs disappear and communities would be decimated. We must do our best to prevent that from happening.
Much better, of course, would be to reach a new contract with GM. The government has promised to protect that agreement, even if GM enters
Chapter 11 protection (in the U.S.) and CCAA protection (in Canada). A so-called "surgical" bankruptcy process would allow the company to
carry on its operations within a month or two.
But the task of keeping GM in business has become more challenging, and more expensive, with each passing month of the global financial crisis.
Is that why our government is now acting so aggressively? Perhaps they would welcome the excuse to wash their hands of the problem, and let the
company fail - all the while blaming the CAW for the collapse. (Of course, GM's collapse would impose untold harm on hundreds of thousands of
Canadians who are not CAW members, and add billions of dollars to the federal and provincial deficits. So this threat is akin to shooting yourself
in the foot.)
If GM collapses, it will not be because of the CAW. Your bargaining committee has been responsible, creative,and determined in working to keep this
company going. We are bargaining hard to reduce labour costs to the benchmark specified by government, and we are almost there. But even that may
not be enough for a deal, until our governments – and perhaps the U.S. government, too - rubber stamp the package. We all knew that pensions would
be a major hurdle at GM, because of the high number of retirees. We have moved mountains in trying to reduce the cost of pensions, without tampering
with the level of benefits our retirees receive. In our view, the negotiated pension benefit is a sacred trust: a light at the end of the tunnel
for autoworkers who work the line, day in and day out, for 30 years. We will not allow that promise to be broken: not for our current retirees,
and not for our current actives.
Senior members have been able to retire knowing that they will have a secure income long after their last day on the job, which has allowed junior
members to continue working. This has been incredibly important over the last few years of massive restructuring and layoffs, accompanied by
retirement incentive programs which helped senior members into retirement and junior members to continue to have jobs.
If we accepted cuts in pension benefits today, in a fruitless effort to subsidize an enormous deficit that we did not create, then every other
pension plan in Canada will be in jeopardy, too.
Pension plans with other major employers such as Air Canada, Nortel and Abitibi Bowater are also under enormous pressure, and increasingly more
often workers are being asked to accept less than what they were promised. What we do at General Motors will also have an impact on what happens
to the pensions of these current and retired workers. Employers and governments alike will continue blaming workers for the problem,instead of
the true culprits: reckless financial speculators (who caused the meltdown in the first place), irresponsible corporations (who evaded adequate
pension contributions), and incompetent government regulators (who have a special responsibility in the case of GM Canada because of Ontario's
special loophole which accounts for two-thirds of GM’s current pension deficit).
The next days will be worrisome and frightening. We understand the fear felt by our members and pensioners. We are as determined as we can possibly be
to save this company. But we will not be blackmailed by governments and employers who see this as an opportunity to take away, from all workers
(not just CAW members), the principle that a worker deserves a fair and secure pension.
Please stand by for more updates from your union's representatives. Please call your MP and MPP to demand that pension promises be respected. And
please be ready to support your union in the days ahead.
In solidarity,
CAW Master Bargaining Committee
An Open Letter to GM Workers
May 12, 2009
We Are Fighting For Our Lives
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
This has been an unbelievable, frightening time for auto workers. Our industry was weakened for years by government neglect and a one-way flood
of imports from offshore. Then the global financial crisis hit, auto sales seized up, and we’ve been fighting for our lives ever since.
As you know, the CAW has been pro-active in trying to be "part of the solution" to this mess - a mess that auto workers did not create. Our
contract in May 2008 provided $300 million per year in cost savings to the three companies combined. Then this March, as instructed by
the government, we signed and ratified an extraordinary contract with GM that provided further savings as part of GM's restructuring plan.
However, on March 30 U.S. President Barack Obama, in a televised address, rejected the GM plan, and told all stakeholders to go back to the
drawing board. The Canadian government rubber-stamped this decision.
General Motors is already technically bankrupt: it cannot pay its bills without government aid (including the first $500 million in Canadian
aid that flowed earlier this month). The federal and Ontario governments rejected our March contract, and have ordered the CAW to reach a
new deal with GM or else they will pull the plug on the Canadian arm of the company. Without government support, GM Canada would be liquidated.
Our plants would close, and our pensioners would be left to fend for themselves. We feel angry and betrayed about having to negotiate a new
collective agreement with GM, for the third time in one year. We know that you share that frustration.
But your bargaining committee has decided that we must respond positively to the government's ultimatum. GM's future in Canada is too important
for us to walk away. However, it will be a massive challenge to try to reach a fair deal in the coming days. Because the governments and the
company are trying to make workers pay for this economic crisis that we did not cause, and that we cannot possibly fix.
In particular, the government has made an outrageous demand that GM's labour costs must be equivalent to Toyota Canada's – includingthe
cost of GM's pension deficit! Toyota Canada has virtually no retirees. GM Canada has almost 25,000. What's worse, thanks to GM's greed and
government's incompetence, the GM pension fund is many billions of dollars in deficit.
The Ontario government allowed GM to underfund its pension for decades, through its special funding regulations, which the CAW is on record as
opposing. Yet now they want workers to bear the cost of the resulting massive deficit through massive cuts in our pensions. It can't be done.
Obviously, the active GM workforce cannot solve a multibillion dollar problem that took the company and the government decades to create.
Remember, the pension deficit grew and grew even when GM was the most profitable company in Canada (GM Canada earned over $30 billion in profit,
in inflation-adjusted terms, from 1978 through 2007), including periods when GM fully funded its U.S. plans.
The CAW has committed all along that our active labour costs will remain fully competitive. The CAW has consistently reminded GM Canada that our
plants are 23 per cent more efficient than Toyota Canada's (according to the independent Harbour Report).
But the long-term crisis in pension funding was not caused by the workers. And it can't be fixed by the workers. We are holding the line on this
issue - to defend our current retirees. And to defend you - the active workers of today, and the retirees of the future.
What does CCAA mean for our jobs?
It is possible, and even likely, that GM will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. in coming weeks, and for CCAA protection in
Canada. What does this mean?
First, it does not mean that GM is bankrupt. Rather, GM is receiving court protection for a period of time, to restructure its business and escape
from some of its debts.
The Canadian government has confirmed that if we reach a new deal with GM, they will protect that agreement through the CCAA process (so that no
further bargaining is required).
This also means that the Canadian and Provincial governments will continue to provide the financing needed to assist GM through the CCAA process.
The best case is that GM would quickly exit Chapter 11 and CCAA protection, with the active support of the Canadian and U.S. governments, and then
begin operations as a revitalized company.
Without government financial aid (which the government says is contingent in part on a deal with CAW), then GM Canada would likely be liquidated.
In any event, the CAW will use all its bargaining and legal resources to protect the interests of our current members and our retirees.
Furthermore, the CAW has been in the forefront mobilizing its membership on a range of issues from pension security to fighting for fair trade
(instead of free trade), pulling out all stops in defense of our members, our families and our communities.
The activism of our leadership and members has been very much appreciated and those actions must continue if we are going to influence elected
parliamentarians in defending the interests of the Canadian economy.
Stand by for more updates. Above all, be ready to support your union in the coming crucial days. We will not allow the workers to be made the
scapegoats of this crisis.
Thank you for your continuing solidarity.
Signed,
The CAW-GM Master Bargaining Committee
Protect Our Pensions
April 17th
Working people have the right to retire from their job with dignity and security. Today, that right is under threat. The global financial crisis has wreaked havoc on our economy. Not only has the recession resulted in hundreds of thousands of lost jobs, it threatens the funding and future viability of workers' pensions.
The CAW Pension Charter states that all Canadians must be able to comfortably enjoy their retirement, and a decent standard of living without risk of poverty. Governments must do everything in their power to protect all pensions. Since they set the funding rules for both public and private pension plans, they must also guarantee a safety net for those faced with insufficient funding.
The Ontario government has indicated its Pension Benefit Guarantee Fund is ill-equipped to handle the pension shortfall suffered by workers in the face of major corporate bankruptcies in the province. The Government has not committed to backstopping the fund to cover its pension obligations.
Local 199 has booked 6 buses to attend a Pension Rally at Queen's Park. We will meet with other concerned Canadians and union members from locals accross the province. Your Union needs you to be part of the solution. You can help by telling the Government that pensions must be protected!
Pension Rally
Thursday April 23, 2009
Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario
12:00pm
Ontario workers are demanding the provincial government make a firm commitment to protect pensions, and backstop those under threat of corporate bankruptcy.
Bailouts for automakers might be best scenario for taxpayers
April 9th 2009
As General Motors and Chrysler career down the road towards possible bankruptcy, Canadian taxpayers fuelling these cash-guzzlers might be excused for wondering where it will all end. A recent study suggests that those who would be content to see it end with the end of the Big Three automakers in Canada might want to wake up and smell the motor oil. For starters, the study conducted for the Ontario Manufacturing Council predicts almost three million workers would lose their jobs at a public cost of over $60 billion just for employment insurance benefits. Read More
CAW 'furious' at Ontario over pensions
April 9th 2009
Visibly upset members of the Canadian Auto Workers said today that they are "furious" that the Ontario government has abandoned its responsibility to retirees by underfunding a provincial safety net for pension funds. Read More
The following letter was received from the National Union on April 7th, 2009. More information will be provided as soon as possible. Bankruptcy Protection Letter
Any of our members who want to express their concerns should contact their MP or MPP and ask them to ensure the Pension Benefit Guarantee Fund is kept funded and remind them that the best way to protect pensions is to keep GM solvent.
Pension Rally
The CAW is inviting all retirees and concerned citizens to attend a rally for pension security at Queens Park, Thursday, April 23rd, 2009. More details will be posted as soon as we have then.
Genaire Ratifies New Agreement
April 7th 2009
I am very pleased to announce that CAW members at Genaire ratified a new three year collective agreement by 86%.
As I am sure you are all very aware, this is the most challenging time in the Global Economy and to be able to successfully negotiate a contract which included both monetary and non monetary improvements certainly was a challenge. I would like to thank the Bargaining Committee and the members for their support during negotiations and for ratifying this agreement.
Non Monetary Improvements: Recognition, representation, seniority rights, lay off language, improvements in work hours and summer hours.
Monetary Improvements, Wage increases of 2%, 2% 2% in years 1, 2 and 3 respectively, increased meal allowance, improved call in pay, safety shoe allowance, improved bereavement, and 2 minutes silence Day of mourning.
Insurance plan Improvements, Group Life increased, Sickness and accident increased, long term disability increased, Dental & Vision Plans improved.
I would personally like to thank, Genaire Chairperson, Nello Falzoi, Committee Persons Chris Warner & Jack Dupuis as well as National Rep Doug Orr for their hard work and support at the bargaining table.
In Solidarity
Wayne Gates, President Local 199
Ottawa jumps into the car warranty business
April 7th 2009
OTTAWA, TORONTO — The federal government is looking to protect consumers and parts suppliers faced with a potential bankruptcy filing by General Motors of Canada Ltd. [GM-N] or Chrysler LLC by backstopping their warranties on new car sales and bolstering support for the parts makers. Worried that the companies' financial crisis will drive away customers and seal their fate, Industry Minister Tony Clement said Ottawa would insure the warranties of new GM and Chrysler vehicles sold between yesterday and the conclusion of their restructuring efforts. Read More
CAW Applauds Federal Government Move to Guarantee Warranties, Money for Parts Firms
April 7th 2009
CAW President Ken Lewenza commended the federal government for its pledge to guarantee the warranties of Chrysler and General Motors vehicles and provide additional funding for auto parts suppliers, as announced earlier today by federal Industry Minister Tony Clement. Read More
Statement from CAW President Ken Lewenza Regarding Canadian and U.S. Auto Restructuring Announcements
March 31st 2009
This challenge before us is not just about saving the auto industry. This is about our overall economy, and our future as a trading nation... Read More
Ford, GM to cover U.S. car payments if buyer laid off
March 31st 2009
DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. said Tuesday they are offering a payment protection plan to help reassure U.S. consumers who may be putting off buying a new car because of worries about losing their job. Read More
Obama ousts GM boss to drive auto reform
March 30th 2009
In a last-ditch effort, the Obama administration gave General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC brief deadlines to try one last time to convince Washington that they are worth saving, said senior administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity Sunday night. GM was given enough government aid to restructure over the next 60 days, while Chrysler will get up to $6-billion and 30 days to complete an alliance with Italian auto maker Fiat SpA. Two people familiar with the plan say it will demand further sacrifices from the auto makers and bankruptcy is still possible.
Read More
'No choice' but to aid car makers
March 30th 2009
TORONTO and OTTAWA — Ottawa and Ontario will need to provide emergency funding in the next two days to keep Chrysler LLC operating if the U.S. government announces today that it's extending the deadline for restructuring plans for that auto maker and General Motors CorpGM-N. Read More
PRESIDENT'S REPORT BY WAYNE GATES
March 2009
BUY CANADIAN
On November 27, 2008 Bill Murningham of our National Research Department and I made a presentation at Regional Council. We were requesting that Council adopt a "Buy Canadian" policy for all regional purchases.
The Niagara Regional staff has made a recommendation to Council which reads: "Niagara Regional’s current purchasing practices to encourage competitive bidding, ensure fairness between bidders and maximize savings for taxpayers. In accordance with these best practices, policies and procedures, staff will continue to make efforts to ensure that the best valued products and services are obtained for the region, where possible and within the terms of the purchasing by-law, staff will seek all opportunities to Buy Canadian."
Thus, while staff recommends that Regional Council endorse "Buy Canadian" resolution in principle, it is suggested that the endorsement of such a statement be as follows: "That the Regional Municipality of Niagara, acting in good faith and in accordance with regions purchasing by-law, will make every effort to ensure that products and services are obtained in Canada, where possible."
As you can see, Regional Council staff has recommended to elected council a weasel worded endorsement of our Buy Canadian resolution. CAW Local 199 will continue to pressure your elected Niagara Regional Councillors to support and pass our Buy Canadian resolution in its entirety with the economic crisis we face today. It is more important then ever to spend Canadians hard earned tax dollars in Canada, supporting Canadian jobs, Canadian communities like Niagara and Canadian families.
AROUND THE LOCAL CULLENS
We have agreed to a one-year contract extension at Cullen's. The bargaining committee would like to thank the membership for their support during this process. I would like to thank the Bargaining Committee; Chairperson John Koks Jr., Committeepersons Roger Wood, Kathe Wieszt and Derek Yendt. I would also like to thank National Representative Mike Menicanin who helps handle all the dealerships in Local 199.
BARGAINING
We have a number of units in Local 199 which are either in bargaining or starting bargaining. We are currently in bargaining with Seneca, General Motors Fire and Security (Securitas) and Border Pontiac in Niagara Falls. We will be starting bargaining over the next few months at Coutts Library Services and Genaire.
EDSCHA
On February 9, 2009, Gord McTavish, Human Resources of Edscha of Canada told the union leadership of this unit that the plant was closing. The company informed the union and their employees that Edscha of Canada intends to liquidate their Canadian operation. The leadership, National Rep., Chairperson Brian Nicholl and I had conversation with the president of the North American operation. The cause of the action by this employer was high debt in Europe, high interest payment on their debt, the slow market and they were unable to obtain credit.
The CAW will do everything we can to keep the plant open, but also will make sure Edscha of Canada lives up to its full financial obligations of the union's collective agreement.
CANADIAN AUTO ASSEMBLY PLANTS MOST PRODUCTIVE IN NORTH AMERICA
A CAW study indicates that average labour productivity is more than 11% higher in Canadian assembly plant than USA plants and about 35% higher than in Mexico plants. Productivity in the North American auto assembly confirms in both Canada and U.S. unionized auto assembly facilities are more productive than non-union plants. CAW represented plants are the most productive, on average, of all plants in North America followed by U.A.W. represented plants in the U.S. Non-union plants in the U.S. and Mexico operated by offshore automakers are the least productive (on average) in the continent.
It is no accident that unionized Canadian auto plants are the most efficient on the continent. It reflects years of effort by our union to keep our facilities modern, efficient and successful. Our productivity advantage is a reality that must be recognized by both the automakers and governments in the difficult months ahead.
GENERAL MOTORS
On February 17, 2009 the entire leadership of the Detroit Three; Ford, GM and Chrysler met in Toronto to discuss the unprecedented downturn in the global economy, it’s impact on the auto sales and the financial crisis facing the three North American auto producers. The leadership overwhelmingly endorsed and authorized the CAW National President and Master Bargaining Committees to engage in contract discussions with the units of the three automakers in the coming weeks as part of the broader restructuring of these companies (including provision of government financial assistance to them).
Should these discussions result in a tentative agreement regarding proposed changes in the existing master agreement with the three companies, that agreement would be contingent upon:
1) ratification by a majority of CAW members at each company, 2) participation by the companies in financial assistance agreement with Ontario and Canadian government, 3) acceptance by the companies of agreed upon commitment regarding their future proportional manufacturing presence and activity in Canada, 4) development of a comprehensive and viable national auto strategy which addresses the industry’s challenges including one way trade imbalances between us and the rest of the world.
In addition, to consider possible changes to the existing collective agreements, the auto leadership also supported the National Union and Bargaining Committees to engage in broader discussions with the company and government officials regarding alternative mechanisms for funding legacy benefits such as retirees' health and pension benefits.
In closing, Workers aren't responsible for the crisis, we didn't cause the crisis but at the end of the day, our union is very responsible and we're going to be part of the solution.
Car-buying mayor is neighbourly
13th March 2009
It's what's under the hood of his car that makes St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan so proud. "I was told when I bought it that the six-cylinder engine was built at the engine plant right here in St. Catharines," McMullan said Thursday of his 2008 Chevy Malibu. When it came time last year to buy a new car, McMullan said he did what he always does -- buy a car that helps the local economy. "I think it's important," he said. "I believe in that saying, 'Buy what my neighbours helped to build.' It is a direct way to help the local economy." Read More
"I don't think much else could be done," GM retiree says of concessions
10th March 2009
Jim Madden thinks the sacrifices are tough, but unavoidable. Sunday's tentative deal between the Canadian Auto Workers and General Motors means freezes in wages, pensions and other concessions. "I don't think much else could be done," said Madden, 57, who recently retired after working as a GM toolmaker in St. Catharines. GM won't receive billions in federal and provincial loans without union concessions as part of its restructuring, he said. Read More
China's domestic auto sales surge
March 10th 2009
China's sales of domestically made vehicles surged 25 per cent in February from a year earlier, as customers took advantage of a tax cut for small cars. February's sales totaled 827,600 units, up 12 per cent from the 735,000 sold in January, Xinhua said, citing figures from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Production in February totalled 807,900 units, up about 23 per cent from the year before.
The country's monthly auto sales overtook the U.S. in January for the first time, as U.S. sales plunged. Authorities have implemented tax cuts and subsidies for small-car purchases to lure car buyers back into showrooms.
Lottery agency chastised over Mercedes giveaway
10th March 2009
A chastened Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. says it has launched a review of its decision to feature 22 European-made luxury cars as prizes this year in its License to Win promotion, after criticism by provincial government and opposition members and a public rebuke of its top executive. Read More
CAW Reaches Tentative Restructuring Deal with General Motors
8th March 2009
The CAW reached a tentative restructuring agreement with General Motors on March 8, after days of round the clock negotiations. CAW President Ken Lewenza said the tentative deal will generate substantial cost savings for the company while protecting current base wage rates and current pensions, and retaining the investment advantage currently enjoyed by Canadian facilities compared to U.S. plants.
"Our objective coming into these negotiations was to minimize the pain felt by our members and their families, while ensuring that General Motors was well positioned to receive government assistance to remain viable," Lewenza said. "At the same time, we understand that workers didn't cause this crisis, which was caused by the global financial meltdown and ensuing credit freeze."
The tentative agreement must be approved by a majority of the roughly 10,000 CAW members currently employed by GM in Canada. Those members will vote on the contract in ratification meetings scheduled on March 10 and 11 in Oshawa, St. Catharines, Windsor, and Woodstock.
General Motors of Canada Ltd. and the Canadian Auto Workers union have struck a crucial cost-cutting deal that freezes wages and pensions until 2012.
The tentative agreement between the auto maker and union, which extends for one year a pact that was signed last year, will suspend inflation adjustments to wages and pensions, divert $1,700 in annual bonuses to retiree health care and eliminate one of two weeks of special paid absences, the CAW said Sunday just hours after the deal was negotiated.
NEW YORK -- General Motors Corp. shares fell to their lowest point in more than 75 years yesterday, as investors fretted that the ailing auto maker may be forced to file for bankruptcy protection despite government help. GM shares hit a low of $1.27 (U.S.) in late morning trading before rebounding to close down 41 cents or 22 per cent at $1.45. The low point matched a low set May 4, 1933, according to the Center for Research in Security Prices at the University of Chicago. The price is adjusted for splits and other changes. GM said in a statement yesterday that it has not changed its intention to avoid a bankruptcy filing, and that an out-of-court restructuring remains its best option to survive the worst auto sales climate in 27 years.
Read More
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?
March 6th 2009
When Brian Rutherford retired from his job as a logistics manager at General Motors of Canada Ltd. in 2006, he never imagined there was reason to worry about the security of his pension after more than 30 years at the company."Being fat, dumb and happy, I never really gave it much of a thought," he says. "That was until last summer, when I saw the Canadian, U.S. and world economy going south." Since then, Mr. Rutherford and thousands of former and current GM Canada employees have watched with mounting fear as the company has warned of potential collapse.
Niagara Regional council narrowly approved a "buy Canadian" policy Thursday that opponents called watered down and ineffective. The Canadian Auto Workers union had urged Regional council for months to create a purchasing policy that guarantees Canadian content in projects, goods and services that are funded by the Region. Municipalities like St. Catharines and Thorold have adopted specific guidelines suggested by the union.
Read More
Who's to blame for the auto crisis?
March 3rd 2008
As the crowds gather to watch our union and the North American automakers wrangle over cost-cutting to secure government loans, we need to step back and consider the real reason we're having this debate at all.
In the excitement over a possible dust-up in the auto sector, the financiers, the bankers and their cheerleaders are desperately trying to duck responsibility for this mess. The central reason we're talking about the very survival of the domestic auto industry is because of the complete failure of the financial sector and its regulators to do their job.
Wildcat strikes and workers' protests are flaring up across Europe. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is struggling to contain the labour strife in his country. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is facing rising industrial unrest. This year's World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, was disrupted by angry tirades from union leaders. In Canada, we've seen more fear than anger among workers. We've seen more division than solidarity in the labour movement. This is typical of the early stages of a recession in North America, says Alan Levy, a professor of labour relations and dispute resolution at the University of Regina.
To see Mayor of Lansing Michigan, Virg Bernero talk about the auto sector click on the link, our local politicians should watch this... Virg Bernero
Tens of thousands march against cutbacks in Ireland
21st February 2009
DUBLIN (Reuters) - Nearly 100,000 people marched through Dublin on Saturday to protest at government cutbacks in the face of a deepening recession and bailouts for the banks. Read More
Ken Lewenza: They didn't take Windsor out of the boy
23rd February 2009
Ken Lewenza is often asked what it's like to replace a legend. He explains that you can't really replace Buzz Hargrove, whom he succeeded five months ago as president of the Canadian Auto Workers union. You have to be yourself. Yet the economic crisis, including a bailout of major auto makers, is quickly making Mr. Hargrove seem like a figure from a distant, gentler era. It is the stocky, plain-spoken Mr. Lewenza, 54, who plants himself before the cameras every day, pounding out his points about the awful toll the recession is taking. Read More
General Motors committed to transmission line
20th February 2009
A plan unveiled Friday to restructure and revamp cash-strapped General Motors includes forging ahead with a new transmission line in St. Catharines. Read More
GM doubles aid request
February 20th 2009
General Motors of Canada has doubled its request to about $6 billion for public aid from the federal and Ontario governments. GM said today in a restructuring plan sent to the two governments that it is seeking a "proportional" amount to what the automaker's Detroit parent wants from Washington to stay alive. Read More
Federal Budget Again Fails Workers Hurt By Economic Crisis
January 29th 2009
The federal government's refusal to address the shortfalls of Employment Insurance in the January 27 budget is a slap in the face to hundreds of thousands of unemployed workers, said CAW President Ken Lewenza. "Temporarily extending the benefit period by a mere five weeks is not enough to fix the crisis faced by unemployed workers." Read More
CAW Productivity Report
January 26th 2009
The Canadian Auto Workers union will add a new wrinkle today to the debate over labour costs at North American auto plants, issuing an analysis showing unionized Canadian facilities are the most productive on the continent. CAW factories have been the most efficient of all union and non-union assembly plants in Canada, the United States and Mexico since 1998, according to an analysis by the union's economist, Jim Stanford, of data in the annual Harbour Report, a closely-watched annual study of auto industry productivity.
Productivity in the North American Auto Assembly Industry 1998-2007
January 26th 2009
A detailed study of productivity levels in the North American auto assembly industry has confirmed that Canadian auto factories are the most efficient in the continent. Moreover, the study shows that unionized auto plants demonstrate higher labour productivity than non-union auto plants.
To see a BNN video clip about the Governments demands and hear CAW president Ken Lewenza Respond click on the link CAW Workers Are competitive
Government could have prevented lay offs in Chatham plant
January, 14th, 2009
The Canadian Auto Workers is criticizing the federal government for awarding a $254 million contract to a U.S. company to build trucks for the Canadian Forces at its plant in Texas while it is laying off workers at its plant in Chatham. "Somebody has to explain to us why Canadian workers can't build military trucks for the Canadian military" said senior CAW executive Bob Chernecki, referring to a defence department contract to Illinois-based Navistar International Corp. to build 1,300 medium-duty trucks for the Canadian Forces.
General Motors of Canada Ltd. and Chrysler Canada Inc. won't start receiving up to $4 billion in government loans until the middle of this month after the companies requested a deferral. The federal government confirmed yesterday Ottawa and Queen's Park agreed to the two-week delay in distribution of the loans, which was to begin Dec. 29.
Tough Economic Times - There has never been a more important time, to join a union!
November 3rd, 2008
Greetings,
As you may be aware, our National Union is currently engaged in a union organizing campaign for the employees of both Niagara and Fallsview Casino. The workers have for the last 10 years attempted to join our union and have made significant progress in spite of the many hurdles that they have faced to become unionized.
At a recent meeting, we were all very pleased to learn the great level of support that the campaign has achieved. We were not surprised, given all of the news regarding the adverse changes at the Casino's affecting the workers.
In speaking to Casino workers, it is clear that these workers deserve and need a strong union like the CAW in their corner. Many of us take for granted the rights and representation that we have and the importance of having a negotiated agreement that dictates the working conditions in a workplace.
The CAW represents thousands of workers in the gaming industry and has made some significant gains in this sector. We currently represent Casino members in several locations: Windsor, Brantford, Port Perry, Woodbine and Sudbury to name a few and our union has made significant achievements for all of these workers.
The workers at the Casinos in our community deserve better and they need your help. Some of you might know workers that work at the casinos and we are urging that you speak to them about the benefits of belonging to the CAW, encourage them to support the organizing campaign and if they already support the campaign, to get more involved.
The organizing department is also available to assist if you wish to forward any names or information to them and they will follow up on all the information that they receive. They currently have an office in Niagara Falls in order for you to contact them or drop in during the office hours. They are always looking for volunteers for the many tasks that a large campaign like this requires.
In closing, thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon or seeing you at the Niagara Casino campaign office.
Frustrated with Canada's lack of direction, concerned about taxes, gas prices and the massive job losses in Niagara? Well we all have an opportunity to do something about it.
As we are all sure you are aware, there will be a Federal Election on October the 14th 2008, to determine who will sit in parliament for the next 2 - 4 years.
Our members have a unique opportunity to make history. One of our members is not only running for a seat in parliament he has a very good chance of getting elected. The executive board of local 199 would like to point out how important and valuable it would be for the membership of our union and community to have one of our members elected to parliament.
We could not only make sure our issues are brought forward and supported in parliament, we would also be well informed about not only the direction our government is going but also the position that is being taken by our elected reps.
The executive board unanimously supports Malcolm Allen in the riding of Welland. If you would like to read more about Malcolm Allen's campaign, volunteer some of your time, or make a financial donation, please click on the link below.
We encourage all of our members to exercise their democratic right and vote in the upcoming election. Ask questions of the candidates in your riding and make sure their position aligns with your best interests.
Executive Board, CAW Local 199
Open Letter to the Membership By Wayne Gates March 28, 2008
Dear Concerned Member:
Every day when you read a newspaper or watch television, we are constantly faced with bad news. What we hear about is shrinking market share, plant closures, a high flying dollar, free trade agreements and lay offs. We read about employers moving plants, investing in other countries and successfully negotiating concessions. All of these factors are putting considerable strain on the Canadian manufacturing sector and affecting our jobs, our families, and our future. As we move towards negotiations with General Motors in September 2008, there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that we have the most challenging time ahead. There has never been a time in the CAW history when we were being challenged on so many fronts.
The "CAW Manufacturing Matters Campaign" has been successfully drawing media attention to the crisis, and garnering support from some politicians. As more plants close, more jobs are lost, and more families are devastated. We obviously still have a long way to go.
We would like to invite you to participate in the next phase of the Manufacturing Matters Campaign. We need your help, support and input, to help us determine what needs to be done to turn things around. We need to discuss whose support we need, how we can communicate with the community, politicians, and our members to gain their support.
On Saturday April 19th CAW Local 199 has scheduled a "Campaign Workshop" to talk about these issues and determine what we are going to do about it. There has never been a more important time for all levels of leadership, (National and Local) to join with CAW rank and file members, to come together for one cause; saving the Canadian manufacturing sector.
We all have a role to play. Everyone can contribute. Please stand up and say enough is enough! We can all be part of the solution. To register for this vitally important campaign workshop please contact: Peter Scott Chairperson of the education Committee 905-682-2611 ext 238. or by E Mail: Peter Scott
Wayne Gates President
CAW Local 199
Federal government has tools to solve manufacturing crisis By Wayne Gates January 30, 2008
Canada's manufacturing sector is in a state of crisis. Over the past five years, the Canadian economy has lost more than 350,000 manufacturing jobs as a result of plant closures and permanent layoffs in communities from coast to coast to coast.
At the local level, the St. Catharines-Niagara area has been among the hardest hit.
Since the Canadian dollar began its meteoric rise in 2002, we have seen almost 5,000 jobs lost in workplaces like General Motors, Affinia and Edscha. To put it in relative terms, in 1980 manufacturing accounted for one of every four jobs in our area - today it accounts for one of seven.
Hardly a week goes by without another devastating blow to our region's manufacturing sector. Most recently, it was announced the CanGro operation in St. Davids will be closing if a buyer can't be found. This would affect not only hundreds of employees, but also a large number of fruit growers who depend on this company as suppliers. One wonders if and when it will ever end.
Manufacturing job losses impact workers directly, but they also have a devastating effect on families and the community as a whole. Over the course of our union's "Manufacturing Matters" campaign, we heard many troubling stories at our community forums.
Food banks are struggling to meet demand; local charities and other social service organizations are experiencing a dramatic drop in donations; municipal governments are witnessing a decline in tax revenue from both the workers who are losing their jobs and the businesses that are shutting their doors and businesses are suffering from declining sales as families cope with job losses or face chronic job insecurity.
What has caused our manufacturing sector's woes?
To start with, the Canadian dollar has risen 50 per cent in value since 2002. That means our goods are now more expensive to sell on the global market, a devastating blow to a country so dependent upon the export market.
In 1996, Canada enjoyed a $12 billion trade surplus - we exported more goods than we brought in. Just 10 years later, in 2006, we recorded our worst trade deficit of $28 billion.
Why has this happened? In pursuit of free trade, the federal government neglected to ensure the trade agreements are fair.
We have given access to our economy to other countries without the same benefits being accorded to Canadian companies.
Instead of trying to rectify this situation, the federal government continues to pursue these agreements, most recently with South Korea. Recent studies suggest we would lose an addition 33,000 manufacturing jobs should this deal be signed.
It is clear that when push comes to shove, the federal government will not do what it takes to help protect Canadian workers. So far, their approach to this crisis has centred exclusively on misguided corporate tax cuts and token investment initiatives.
The promised $1-billion Community Development Trust Fund, announced last week by the federal government, would only be implemented if the spring budged is passed. It's time our prime minister stopped playing partisan politics at the expense of workers.
So, what can be done? Here are a few suggestions:
Intervene to bring the value of our dollar back to sustainable levels by encouraging the Bank of Canada to cut interest rates further.
Use public funds to purchase goods made in Canada by enacting a "Buy Canadian" policy for public procurement. This should apply for all levels of government.
Create a federal parliamentary task force on manufacturing job loss.
Make significant direct investments in key manufacturing industries and sites to rebuild communities struggling with manufacturing job losses.
Develop tighter controls for the purchase of Canadian companies by foreign investors.
Create a new AutoPact to ensure foreign imports are tied directly to investment and jobs in Canada.
Develop a "Green Car" strategy to support and promote the development of fuel-efficient vehicles and technology in Canada.
Our federal government has the tools to turn this crisis around and begin rebuilding a strong manufacturing sector.
This is critical for our future and that of our children and grandchildren.
Manufacturing is already in crisis why would Ottawa make things worse?
Canada has lost 300,000 manufacturing jobs since 2002, 5,000 jobs lost right here in the Niagara Region, thanks to the soaring loonie and a flood of imports. Communities which depend on manufacturing are looking to Ottawa for leadership yet, what is the response??
Trade Minister David Emerson is rushing through a flawed free trade deal with Korea. Why? Because he thinks Canada should sign more trade deals.
Canada's manufacturing trade deficit has grown six-fold in just three years to 28 billion in 2006. Korea alone accounts for 1/8 of that deficit. Tens of thousands more manufacturing jobs in high tech industries like electronics, auto and machinery will inevitably be lost under a FTA with Korea. Canada's currency is up 15% against Korea's dollar this year alone. We've already given Korean products a 15% head start in our market. Why would we make things even worse?
This is a terrible time for a terrible deal Nobody has all the answers for how to save Canadian manufacturing. But we do know what will make it worse. Korea is a manufacturing powerhouse giving Korea even more access to our markets, with no strings attached, will worsen our deficit and destroy thousands more jobs.
The Harper government should stop the FTA negotiations with Korea now. We need a level playing field in trade and a strategy to save Canadian jobs not a desperate deal that will make matters worse.
Score Card:
Korea sold 130,000 vehicles in Canada in 2005.
Canada sold 400 vehicles in Korea in 2005.
Is this fair trade? I think not.
Bargaining:
Over the last couple of months we were successful in negotiating new 3 year collective agreements at Ed Lear Ford and Tora Investment Inc.
Some highlights of Ed Learn Ford agreement were:
Improved maximum dispensing fee
Improve new hires co-pay
Increased Life Insurance
Increased weekly indemnity
Improved wages 5.5% over 3 years
Improved bereavement
The bargaining committee wants to thank the membership for their support during this round of bargaining and for their 91% ratification vote. I would like to thank Mike Menicanin and the Ed Learn in-plant committee for all their hard work during these tough negotiations.
Tora Investments Inc.
We are happy to report the bargaining committee was successful in negotiating a new 3 year collective agreement. We had many tough meetings and a lengthy delay as a result of the employer's layoff announcement in March. The Local would like to thank the membership who took this employer on strike for about 24 hours for their solidarity.
Tora Highlights:
Improved recognition and scope article
Improved grievance procedure
Improved bereavement leave
Improvement in wages
Benefit improvements
Reduced pay grid
The bargaining committee would like to thank National Rep. Steve Farkas who made a decision to complete the bargaining at Tora along with his new job as a National Director working in the Kitchener Cambridge area. The Local would also like to thank Chairperson John Hibben and Committeeperson Evelyn Sacco, Adrianna Ruscitti and Howard Hines for their support and long hours during this round of bargaining.
Organizing
Your CAW Local 199 Executive Board passed at the September membership meeting has made a decision to work with your CAW National Organizing Department to start organizing workplaces in the Niagara Region. Sister Elizabeth Ferretti who works at First Ontario has been cleared for up to 6 months to work on organizing.
If any active or retired member knows of any workplace which might be interested in joining the CAW please call our Union Hall at (905) 682-2611 and ask to speak to Elizabeth Ferretti.
I am excited and proud to welcome you to our new website. We have spent considerable time and resources developing the site, utilizing new technology to improve communication with our members.
If you look around the home page you will see that there are four main menus. Along the top of the screen you will find a red and grey menu with information about our local union, its long and colourful history, our structure, our various committees, and the Units that we represent.
On the left side of your screen is the Action Menu. This menu includes a phone directory that contains an interactive list of phone numbers and contact information for our elected reps and others who can provide help for specific needs. There is also a section that provides comprehensive information on how to sign up for Employment Insurance, details on booking the CAW hall for a function, and current listings about upcoming events that we are involved in. The Action Menu also has an in-depth link on how to join a union, who to contact, and the benefits of being a member. This menu includes information about volunteering in the community and how to get involved.
The Issues menu provides you with information about the issues and campaigns that affect workers in the region. It provides you with up-to-date information on these important issues and the position that our union is taking on them.
On the right hand side of the screen is the Service Menu. It explains the services and benefits available to members of the union and some of the bargaining highlights from past rounds of negotiations. Another important feature of this menu is that you can also download frequently used forms and information.
This website is designed as a toolbox and pipeline to communicate with our members. We hope it will also attract new members to the CAW. As you move around the website and visit some of the pages, it will quickly become apparent that being a member of a progressive and active union like CAW has numerous advantages.
We welcome and encourage you to submit your articles and photographs to help keep the website fresh and up-to-date. After all it belongs to you!
"A union not only helps the workers and retirees they represent but also benefits the community in which we live"
Contact Information for Wayne Gates - President, CAW Local 199
Federal Elections
