CAW workers on strike at 2 auto supplier plants

Negotiations failed over deep concessions and job security

Workers at two automotive supplier plants in Ontario are on strike, according to the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union representing them.

CAW Local 504 members at auto parts manufacturer Wescast Industries in Strathroy, Ont. have been on strike since the morning of Saturday, Oct. 27, after rejecting an offer from the company the union says fails to secure jobs. The strike is a result of a recent decision by General Motors that would ship current operations performed at the Strathroy facility to China.

"In the last few days, we've learned that General Motors intends to move the current work performed at Wescast to a facility in China,” CAW national representative Jim Woods said in a press release. “There is absolutely no reason that our members should agree to a new contract that undercuts their own jobs."

Workers at Lear Corporation who make automobile seats in Whitby, Ont., voted 97 per cent in favour of taking strike action. The 400 workers who are represented by CAW Local 222 will strike as of midnight on Oct. 30. Job action there comes after negotiations broke down between the employer and union over demands for deep concessions.

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