ATU 741 Stands In Solidarity With CAW 27

It was learned with shock and sadness today that instead of picketing for fair wages and dignified retirements, CAW Local 27 members are now picketing for fair severance packages following the announcement by Caterpillar front company Progress Rail that the London ElectroMotive plant will be closed.

The closure, announced less than 48 hours after the state of Indiana passed 'right to work' legislation, puts roughly 700 workers immediately out of work and will doubtless cause further job losses from suppliers and other businesses that relied on the Oxford St facility. It would almost seem that CAT was waiting for the union-busting legislation to pass before making the announcement.

Prime Minister Harper used the plant in 2008 as a photo opportunity to announce $5M in tax cuts for the company, claiming such concessions were good news for the plant's work force. The federal government spent the dispute claiming no jurisdiction over the conflict after eagerly backing Air Canada and Canada Post in recent labour disputes. Premiere McGuinty tut-tutted Caterpillar for locking out Local 27 but wouldn't face gathered workers when he spoke in London last week.

Caterpillar's actions not only deprive these workers of their incomes, but the process being used is depriving them of the ability to apply for Employment Insurance benefits to put food on their tables. Call your elected officials. Let them know this isn't an acceptable outcome to this situation in this day and age. Let them know this isn't the future you want for your kids or grandkids. Let them know you will remember thier actions the next time you cast your ballot.

Thousands Rally to Support CAW27

ATU members from London, Guelph, Brampton and Canadian Council President Stan Dera joined thousands in Victoria Park Saturday for a rally in support of locked out members of CAW27.

"It is of utmost importance that we do not let this rally, in support of CAW local 27 fade from our minds," said ATU741 President Brian Tansy.

"It needs to be a point of reference of how concern for our fellow workers' treatment can lead to change. Change in how we view our own employment, our city and community's welfare; change in how we trust our government to care for its citizens. Trust given to a government or employer that cares little for its citizens or employees is wasted."

"Challenge your local, provincial and federal politicians to earn that trust by working for their citizens and not remaining silent before a corporate bully," Tansy stated after the rally Saturday. "Challenge our employer to show faithfulness to us by defending us against injustice and treating us fairly and humanely. Thanks to all who attended the rally and special thanks to the volunteer shuttle drivers who gave up their time selflessly!"

Day of Action

Buses are coming from all corners to this event, and workers are stepping up to the plate from all corners of London too.

ATU Local 741, OSSTF, LDLC, and a host of others are arranging buses to transport supporters from marshalling areas at Saunders S.S./Westmount Mall and Clarke Rd S.S./Argyle Mall with other stops possible on the way into the core. LTC Employees can catch the bus at the yard or from wherever convenient.

Buses will return to the parking areas after the rally in the park.

Buses will be leaving 450 Highbury (tentatively) at 9:00am to get to the parking areas, and will leave for the core as they fill with departures starting about 9:30. We will make as many trips as it takes to get everybody downtown. Dress warm, bring water and a snack and anything else you might need.

Mutual respect and respect for workers is what this is all about and we're sure everybody will act accordingly.

That being said, we will be on the world stage. Bring your signs, bring your loudest voice that together we will make a roar that will be heard in Ottawa and around the world!

Updates:

The London Food Bank will be at the park to collect any non-perishable food items you can bring.

London Day of Action January 21

Despite the attention it has received, the lockout at ElectroMotive is not unique to London.

Our brothers and sisters at 1587 have been on strike against York Region contractors since October 24. USW Local I-500 have been kept out on strike for nearly three years by Engineered Coated Products (ECP) in Brantford because they have been busing scabs across the picket lines. The employer has demanded a 25% rollback in wages and benefits. UFCW Local 416P have been locked out since April 25, 2007, by their employer Horizon Milling, a grain milling operation whose parent company is Cargill Ltd.

All the while all levels of government are keeping with the Corporate Tax Cut Agenda while slashing services to pay for it. Effectively taking our money and giving it directly to the corporate trough while Canadian corporations are sitting on almost $1 trillion in cash reserves, and waiting to see if Caterpillar is going to get away with this.

The fight at ElectroMotive is bigger than one plant. Its audience is global. The fight is for our kids, and for their kids, and for the futures we will leave for them.

January 21 has been declared a Day of Action to oppose Caterpillar and its attack on decent paying Canadian jobs.

Please plan to join us in Victoria Park at 11am. More details will follow.