Oshawa Blockade Ends

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

The Canadian Autoworkers Union (CAW) ended its two-week blockade of GM's Oshawa truck factory this morning, in compliance with a court injunction. The Detroit Free Press reports that the CAW is ditching the barricades for "other actions." CAW Chairman Keith Osborne tells the Freep that union lawyers will meet today to discuss the possibility of filing a complaint with the Ontario Labor Relations Board. But while the CAW lawyers talk offense, GM spokesfolks are trying to leave the unpleasantness behind: "Now is the time to focus on discussions on new product mandates for Oshawa and support for affected employees." And apparently GM's backing its words with… more words. Bloomberg reports that "GM is in preliminary talks to add a third vehicle at an Oshawa car plant," in addition to the "second car" promised to CAW in their month-old labor agreement. The Toronto Sun says that the Camaro and the unnamed rear wheel-drive "second car" planned for 2011 could be joined by a front wheel-drive model, thanks to the Camaro's flexible production line. Ontario may not be the cheapest or most efficient place to build vehicles, but its tax-dollar giveaways are world class. Expect public money for the third vehicle line to smooth things over between GM and the CAW. It's win-win– as long as you're not a Canadian taxpayer.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Psarhjinian Psarhjinian on Jun 16, 2008

    dew, Beat me to the punch...

  • Mikey Mikey on Jun 16, 2008

    Easy dew we are kind'a sensitive here in the Shwa

  • Oboylepr Oboylepr on Jun 16, 2008

    I understand that the judge who granted the injunction to GM also had some uncomplimentary words to say about GM. Words like 'not having clean hands' and 'deceitful'. Sounds just like them all right.

  • Anonymous Anonymous on Jun 17, 2008

    The uncompromisung union attitude and belligerent nature will likely result in a huge investment in the truck plant. If GM doesn't do it it is likely Toyota or Honda will move production to Oshawa to take advantage of this pugnacious workforce. this demonstration is sure to lead to huge investment in Oshawa. What is the CAW thinking?

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