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2002

June 23, 2002

Volume 32, No. 24

Government Must Move From Talk To Action On Auto Policy

The federal and Ontario governments must move quickly to maintain the momentum of current discussions regarding a new policy framework for the Canadian auto industry, says CAW president Buzz Hargrove.

'Both levels of government have a unique opportunity right now to help guide this crucial industry into a new era,' said Hargrove, who has been advocating for a new Canadian auto policy ever since the World Trade Organization overturned the Canada-U.S. Auto Pact. 'Most industry stakeholders and analysts have recognized that our industry has a serious problem, and they are prepared to work together toward a solution.'

'But we have a limited window of opportunity to build on this goodwill and get something done. If government spends too much time talking, and not enough time moving forward with the policies we need, we will waste this opportunity.'

Ontario Industry Minister Jim Flaherty has released a summary of the discussions of his May 22 round-table on automotive policy issues, and announced the formation of two issue-specific task forces to conduct further discussions and consultations (one dealing with innovation, and one dealing with skills). Meanwhile, federal Industry Minister Allan Rock is hosting a similar round-table June 26 in Toronto; the agenda for Rock's session looks remarkably similar to that for the May 22 provincial round-table.

'These discussions are fine if they are a first step toward a more concrete and action-oriented policy process,' Hargrove said. 'But industry stakeholders will quickly become cynical and inactive if they decide these initiatives are just public relations opportunities for government.'

Hargrove also expressed concern that the government consultations to date may be missing the core problem facing Canada's auto industry -- namely, how to retain and attract manufacturing investment in auto assembly and parts production.

CLC Convention

CAW member and former Human Rights Director Hassan Yussuff was elected CLC secretary-treasurer, defeating NUPGE president Jim Clancy, last week at the CLC Convention in Vancouver. The four top officers are: President, Ken Georgetti; Secretary-Treasurer, Hassan Yussuff; Executive Vice-President Barb Byers; Executive Vice-President Marie Clarke Walker.

CAW Human Rights director Raj Dhaliwal was elected VP Worker of Colour.

Over 3,200 delegates attended the convention making it the largest to date.

Major issues such as human rights, health and safety, political action, and international affairs caused lively debates. Details of each day's debates can be found on the Canadian Labour Congress web site: www.clc-ctc.ca

Urgent Notice Regarding Navistar Strike

CAW president Buzz Hargrove has put CAW local unions in Ontario on alert that they should immediately mobilize leadership, activists, members and flying squads in case of the need for more support at International Truck plant in Chatham, Ontario.

In a June 20 letter to all Ontario CAW local unions and staff, Hargrove said Local 127 members at Navistar, with the support of the Windsor, London and Tilbury local unions have turned around a number of scab busses in the last few days.

Local police have taken the position they are there to serve and protect the community and won't allow scab busses into the community. But how long that situation will last is undetermined because the corporation is moving to get injunctions, said Hargrove, who urged complete cooperation from all local unions.

For more information contact: Joe McCabe, National Representative (519) 358-8559; Charlie Formosa, Local 127 President (519) 354-3450; Bob Chernecki, Assistant to the President (416) 543-7084.

CAW Picket Lines Remain Strong At Navistar Truck Plant

CAW Local 127 members, who are on strike at the International (Navistar) Truck plant in Chatham, Ontario, fighting company demands for major concessions, remain determined to keep their picket lines strong in the face of company attempts to scab the facility.

While the company is attempting to bring in scabs to continue production of heavy trucks, Chatham-Kent police turned back a bus load of scabs headed for the plant on June 19. The police also turned three buses away June 20.

Chatham-Kent Police Chief Carl Herder said in a local newspaper story that it's the responsibility of police to ensure public safety and the protection of life and property.

"If there's a problem with the replacement workers and we're fearing for anyone's safety, those buses will be turned around," Herder was quoted in a June 17 Chatham Daily News story.

Approximately 600 hourly CAW members work at the plant, which makes Class 8 highway trucks. International Truck and Engine is part of Navistar International. The company has a long list of concession demands including major wage cuts, increased benefit costs to employees, and cuts in vacation for those with more than three years seniority.

Key issues include the future of the plant, which was highlighted by an earlier company announcement it was considering closing the Chatham facility, and hours of work with the 39 hour work week in some cases moving to a 56 hour week.

Bob Chernecki, assistant to CAW president Buzz Hargrove, said there is great determination to win a fair and equitable contract for the membership, their families and the local community.

The company's demands and its approach in dealing with these members is totally excessive, he said.

"They're not going to go around us at the bargaining table by using scabs," Chernecki said.

CAW plant chairman Doug Deneau said job security is the number one issue. "This is the largest plant in Chatham" so we're out not only for our future, but also for the future of the entire community.

"There are no scabs who are going to cross these lines - the whole community is behind us," Deneau said.

Pride Events

This is the colourful season of Pride when lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender activists, and allies, take to the streets to celebrate. The CAW participates in Pride events across the country - from St. John's to Victoria to Yellowknife. Here's a list of upcoming events:

. Moncton, NB: June 16-22
www.monctongay.com

. York Region Pride: June 17-23
www.gaycanada.com/prideyorkregion/

. Hamilton Pride: June 15-16
www.gayhamilton.com

. Saskatoon, SK: June 23-30
www.gaycanada.com/saskatoon.pride

. Nanaimo, BC: June 29
www.nanaimopride.org

. Toronto Pride Week: June 24-30
. Dyke March: June 29
. Pride Parade: June 30
www.torontopride.com

. Victoria, BC: July 1-7
www.victoriapride.com

. Surrey, BC: July 6
www.members.shaw.ca/outinsurrey

. London Pride: July 12-14
www.pride.london.on.ca

. Ottawa-Gatineau, ON: July 14
www.gayottawa.com

. Halifax, NS: July 14 - 21
www.halifaxpride.org

. Montreal, PQ: July 27
www.diverscite.org