Union says will pressure GM over closure

[Omaha Steve]

Source: UPI

OSHAWA, Ontario, June 8 (UPI) -- The Canadian Auto Workers Union says it might disrupt General Motors plant operations to pressure the automaker to reconsider closing a plant in Ontario.

Keith Osborne, the chairman of negotiations for CAW Local 222, said the union is responding to GM's decision to close a truck assembly plant in Oshawa, Ont., Canwest News Service reported Sunday.

"We leave nothing out," Osborne said of persuasive measures the union might take. "We could do anything."

GM's announcement of the plant closure came Tuesday, just two weeks after Osborne helped the union reach a three-year contract agreement with management.


Read more: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2008/06/08/Union_says_will_pressure_GM_over_closure/UPI-44701212961729/

[bbinacan]

1. I'm confused here.

Why keep a plant open that makes a product that GM can't sell.

[Omaha Steve]

2. Trucks still sell

But GM wants to build them in Mexico.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=367x11674

[bbinacan]

3. They don't sell as well as

they used too.

[CHIMO]

4. Ottawa shares blame for plant closure, protesters say

OSHAWA, Ont. — General Motors workers fighting the pending closure of a major truck assembly plant in Southern Ontario said they're planning to keep a high profile without breaking the law as they escalate their protests in the coming days.

Canadian Auto Workers brass joined union representatives on Sunday in a rally protesting the closure of the Oshawa, Ont., plant that employs 2,600 people. Last week, General Motors announced the plant would be among four North American facilities being closed due to decreased demand for trucks.

Speaking at GM's corporate headquarters, which angry workers have been blockading for days, CAW president Buzz Hargrove said ongoing protest plans do not include wildcat strikes in the near future.

Union representatives also had sharp criticism for the federal government, saying the onus for resolution lay with the Conservatives as well as the company.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080608.wgmsupport0608/BNStory/National/

Out with NAFTA back with the Auto Pact.

Market conditions must be pretty bad if in two weeks the market has turned on GM such that more efficient pick-ups won't be in the future market.