CAW, Narmco head to court over end of retiree health benefits

Union will hold company ‘accountable for any and all damages’: CAW

Pensioners at National Auto Radiator in Windsor, Ont., recently had their health benefit coverage discontinued by the plant’s owner — the Narmco Group — and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union has stepped in to take over the payments.

The CAW said it has reached an agreement on coverage with Green Shield Canada and it will take Narmco to court for the reimbursement of costs.

“We want to hold them accountable for any and all damages,” CAW Local 195 president Gerry Farnham told the Windsor Star. “The CAW has taken an emergency measure that will ensure continuation of these benefits.”

Narmco stopped paying for health benefits for retirees on April 11 and locked out 16 National Radiator employees. Contract talks between the company and union crumbled April 12 after the CAW rejected management’s demands for wage and benefit cuts.

The contract expired March 31.

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