CAW Mulling Strikes At All Three Automakers
A report by Reuters suggests that the Canadian Auto Worker’s union may take the unprecedented step of striking at the plants of all three domestic automakers.
Traditionally, the union targets one company for bargaining and a possible strike, and that sets the precedent for contracts with the other two. This round of negotiations has been particularly tense; labor costs in Canada are considered to be the highest in the world, and auto makers are looking to bring them down to the level offered in the United States.
Reuters sums up the matter, stating
The unions are demanding that no more concessions be made on their end, in light of their sacrifices made during the bailout period contract negotiations. Compromises, such as profit sharing, have been floated by the auto makers, but only recently has the CAW changed their hardline stance against it.
TTAC readers with experience working in auto plants have suggested that a strike won’t happen, and that negotiations will eventually lead to an equitable settlement. It’s likely that talk of a strike at all three automakers is simply rhetoric in the run-up to more intense negotiations.
Reuters quotes Gary Beck, chairman of the CAW’s Ford master bargaining committee as stating
“We have been sitting down with all three companies, and no one has taken the initiative to lead,” he said. “This will, hopefully, wake them up.”
In our eyes, that’s a fairly strong piece of evidence to support the above theory.
More by Derek Kreindler
Comments
Join the conversation
I`m sorry but if the American middle class example is a Union member we,the middle class, have lost all hope. Never in my life have I seen such shamfull disregard for quality, productivity and loyalty to an employer as I have seen with the U.A.W. At labor rates twice what they were worth yes,they made the middle class look good..on paper. But have no fear.If the CAW strikes they WILL strike out. No support for poor performance anymore. If you can get it built for a lower price in Mexico and still pay the employees a good wage with good benefits..your moving there!
I took a tour of a UAW factory several years ago. I was only impressed with the robots.