CAW (Canada's UAW) forced into talks with GM, Lewenza says

CTV ^

[Grig]

The head of the Canadian Auto Workers says his union has been forced into negotiations with General Motors Canada in order to cut their labour costs even further, only two months after they agreed to previous wage cuts.

Ken Lewenza told reporters at a news conference that the federal and Ontario governments had forced the negotiations to happen, in an ultimatum the CAW president said caught him completely by surprise.

"We were called to a meeting yesterday that involved ourselves, General Motors, federal and provincial officials -- a very unusual meeting to say the least," Lewenza said just after 11 a.m. on Thursday morning.

"I never dreamed that our labour relations in the auto industry would come to this point," he continued. "The government folks gave us an ultimatum ... we have been instructed to go back into bargaining with General Motors."

[Grig]

Go to the link and read the comments, it's great! This is how it should be done.

[Former Proud Canadian]

Ken Lewenza is in WAY over his head.

[REPANDPROUDOFIT]

Whatever happens, Lewenza said the union will not turn its backs on the retired CAW who should not be asked to make sacrifices for their former company.

Boo, damn, hoo!!!Where is it written that union retirees have a sacred guarantee that their benefits will always remain the same? I'm sick and tired of that argument. I too made certain plans all my working life. I never included plans to pay higher taxes to help the UAW (CAW in this case) pay its legacy costs. Just as I never planned to lose such a large part of my investment in the decline.Now there is talk of "adjustments" to our Medicare benefits.

I have to adjust my lifestyle, why don't they?