Caterpillar shutting locked-out Electro-Motive plant

About 450 jobs disappeared in London, Ont., Friday when U.S. giant Caterpillar shut down its Electro Motive plant. It's a devastating blow to the workers, locked out a month ago, who refused a 50-per-cent pay cut. John Vennavally-Rao on some who are now refusing to leave.

CTV News Channel: Over 400 people out of work

Caterpillar Inc. is closing its London, Ont. locomotive plant where 450 workers have been locked out since January.

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John Size, CTVNews.ca

Date: Fri. Feb. 3 2012 9:59 PM ET

American heavy-equipment giant Caterpillar Inc. is closing its London, Ont. locomotive plant where 450 workers have been locked out since January.

Workers at the Electro-Motive plant were locked out Jan. 1 after refusing to take a 50 per cent pay cut to keep the facility open. Employees are represented by the Canadian Auto Workers' union.

Progress Rail Services, a subsidiary of Caterpillar, said the plant's operating costs were "unsustainable" without the concessions.

Ontario's Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid said his thoughts were with the workers when he heard the news Friday morning, but he didn't have details on the plant's closure.

CAW president Ken Lewenza called the closure callous and said the company had no intention of keeping it open.

The decision comes days after Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty criticized the company for not living up to the expectations of Ontarians.

"It's not working because the balanced, made-in-Ontario approach requires that unions and management sit down and talk to try to work out their differences, and so far the owners of Electro-Motive have failed," he said.

Speaking to the London Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, McGuinty said both sides should show some "flexibility" to reach an agreement.

Caterpillar posted a 58 per cent increase in its quarterly earnings last week, with a record profit of nearly $5 billion last year. Its CEO, Doug Oberhelman, received a $10.5-million annual paycheque.

The CAW has criticized the company for being greedy and immoral in its approach to negotiations, with some fearing the company intended to relocate the plant to the United States all along.

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Bindrdunit
said

And I was just about to buy a diesel locomotive!

YOU will PAY!
said

The domino effect will come to your doorstep pretty soon so to those acting so smug that manufacturing is getting shipped overseas because of unions , remember when there are no mid-class to pay taxes...guess who the government will becoming to , to pay the shortfall? "YOU" that's who! So who's laughing now??? Silly dolts!

Jonathan from Saskatoon
said

The union and the workers weren't willing to do what was needed to make Electro-Motive cost efficient and profitable. Caterpillar didn't become a successful company by allowing divisions to bleed red ink forever. Last I checked 50% of something is a lot better than 100% of nothing. Good luck finding a job in Ontario. But if you decide to come out west, you'd better bring a solid work ethic and a little realism in regard to your "entitlements.

Scott
said

CAW has successfully exported more jobs.Semi skilled people should not be making $34 per hour plus ridiculous benefits. Unions should be a thing of the past. People should be rewarded by their merits, not time it. Now you have your reward!

Jt
said

Dave in Edm Sure Harper hold some blame but so does Dalton.

auchters
said

Unions didn't end up in these companies because they wanted to be there. They are there because people were mistreated and abused and called the union for help. This might be a slap, but when the company does the same thing again here or elsewhere, people will revolt in time. People are power -- with or without the union. How do you think the unions got started?No one would accept a 50% decrease. It isn't fair when a company is still boasting profits. The rungs of ladder support what is at the top. Without the rungs, the ladder will fall, and those at the top fall harder. Look after those at the bottom!

Norm_D
said

I am almost anti union but this is one case where a union is needed. If I were the Ontario Government (I'm not) I would endeavor to purchase non Caterpillar heavy equipment for all government activities. Now that would make a painful dint in Cats profits. There are other competing companies such as Volvo. NOw someone just has to get CN, CP and VIA to purchase GE locomotives. They're much better anyway, more towing power, longer lives and more economical to run although more expensive to purchase initially.

DL in Kingston
said

Sad to hear about the workers, their families and the impact this will have on London's economy. The nail was already in the coffin for these employees when the Big Cat purchased Electro-Motive, as Caterpillar is well known for breaking hundreds of U.S. labor laws on the backs of their employees and getting away with it. So you don't have to be in a union for your job to be attacked by these guys. Now they can go home and continue with this mode of operatus. Better hope other corporations (non-union or union) don't think this is a good idea for them as well.

Dougy C
said

No more Cat purchases for me! all my parts that I need will come from an aftermarket source!Come on Join the Rebellion, we can show Caterpillar who the real bosses are!

robin hood
said

Pay no attention to those who want to work for less they know not what they do, no really they don�t know what they�re talking about; talking heads seldom do. Ask them what they had for dinner yesterday!

Will
said

Warned you, CAW just killed those jobs. Permanently.

John In Edmonton
said

Remove Cat and its affiliates from every bid list in Canada.Profits and Business IS a two way street

PBW
said

I think, from the comments, that Cdn Lynx is a proponent of state-owned manufacturing, in spite of the evidence from the late unlamented USSR and other Communist companies. Any corporation, from the smallest mom-and-pop organization up to multi-nationals, is in business for one reason: to make a profit, for themselves or their shareholders. They do that by producing goods at the lowest cost and selling for all the market will bear. Some multi-nationals run their manufacturing at a profit without unions and still pay good wages. Caterpillar is doing the same by moving out of Ontario and paying non-union workers back in the USA.. An organization like Caterpillar is an ideal investment for pension funds, given the level of its profits, and in turn those profits go to paying retirees, whether here in Canada or elsewhere. Time to put in a buy order for Caterpillar stock.

Pat
said

Its really sad to read that people agree with the company. Why would anyone agree to make less money when the company is making billions. Why would you stoop to this level by taking there concessions they are abusing it and getting away with it and laughing all the way to the bank. We should never settle for less and always thrive for more. Wake Up people.

Hilton Shand
said

CAT bought out the competition and closed it down. CAT knew the Union agreement before it bought the company. All CAT ever intended to do was eliminate competition.

auchters
said

Good bye Caterpillar. There will be another greedy company to take your place. The workers will find other jobs, and maybe a company that cares.

USGElosers
said

Unions are good at keeping unions in power, just ask the union president how much he gets during this strike. Unions are a thing of the past.

Jon in London ON
said

Wednesday February 1 2012 - Indiana became the 23rd state to pass anti-union "right-to-work" legislation on Wednesday and the first in the nation's manufacturing heartland, dealing a blow to organized labor by allowing workers to opt out of paying union dues. Senate Minority Leader Vi Simpson, a Democrat, called the notion that many employers would be attracted to Indiana because of the law a myth. Friday February 3 2012 - Well, hello Electro Motive........Hey Ken....the writings on the wall.....

Milan Juarez
said

Will MPs be installing a giant reflective "Disco Ball" on the roof of the Crystal Palace they're building to house themselves in when the Parliament Buildings under go renovation? Is this respectable poltics fighting on behalf of Canadians or a drunken swinger's club orgy?

Dave in Edm
said

Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited the plant in 2008 to showcase a $5 million federal tax break for buyers of the locomotive's wares and a $1 billion tax break on industrial capital investment.... That is 1,005,000,000.00 CDN Dollars my friends that were a coproate gift from our Prime Minister, remember that when you are working for a few more years because of Harper...

Steve
said

The 50% wage cut was not for new hires. It was for existing employees. $34/hr jobs were to be payed $16.50 plus massive cuts to health care benefits, pension etc etc.

Collin
said

I just understand. Would anyone here pay 32,000 dollars for a 16,5000 dollar car? But we expect Caterpillar to pay twice the wage, because world wide they make money?I'm forced to be a member of a union, trust me I hate unions.

Ottawa Jack
said

There has been many comments about a 50% wage reduction. However, as reported on the CBC, this reduction was only for 'certain' employees. Without exact details of the offer, there appears to be a lot of misinformation that is promoting emotional comments & reactions. It would now seem that the Union has a lot of explaininng to do to the membership & the public.

Allan
said

The best thinking the conservatives come up with is that minimal social programs and low wages like the bottom 50 countries is goodfor Canada.So just give them the money and everything.

Jack P
said

The biggest problem with the unions has long been not their higher wages, but their lacking work ethic. For example, in some union jobs up to 30% op the workers have called in sick on a given day (full pay if you are off sick). When I was young I once started in a union plant and was enthused and energetic. After a few days I got a visit from a union guy who instructed me not to work so hard. This union culture of working easy and demanding much ends up making the cost of the end product much more expensive. It's finally cathching up to them.

robin hood
said

Made in America with Canadian technology�that�s one way of getting your ducks in order�yeehaww!

Mimi2005
said

Unless there is a Canadian company left to keep us working, which are all being sold left, right, and centre; may as well say good bye to the manufacturing sector in Canada. I hate to say it, but we sold too much, gave away too much and didn't get much of anything in return. We will see more of these type of stories in the years to come, I guarantee it.

canadianeh
said

Last time I checked, Caterpillar was a private company that can do what they want with their facilities. I don't understand how people can possibly think they are entitled to a job for life with the union to protect them. And really, 400 jobs -big deal. The company I work for here in Alberta has over 400 job openings. Come on out. I can guarantee they'll be making double what they were making working for Electromotive.

Scott in Muncie Ind.
said

@Dave in Edmonton: Sorry buddy, but Muncie Indiana once a diverse industrial little city in Central Indiana has lost a huge chunk of their industry becausse the unions were so strong and yes the tax rates are much higher. The GM transmission plant that was once there has been shut down for years, many have moved away from that town, the jobs just aren't there anymore. The only new employer to have moved in that town was Magna International who has a 100,000 sq ft plant building transmission sub systems. The big union wages are gone, though Magna employees at that facility (which is non union) are making approximately $22.00US per hour plus superb benefits.

shadow
said

cost of living in the US is a lot less than here. A lot of negative comments here do not take that into consideration. What about those that cross the border to do their shopping or spend 4 to 6 months there? Isn't about time to support Canada!!!

Pat in Mississauga
said

It was obvious this was coming. Unions are too costly. It is not only the higher wages that make a union plant unproductive but the constant grievances that have to be dealt with and the inflexible work procedures that the union will have demanded in the past. Sometimes the unproductive methods required by the union are more costly than the higher wages. This is so ingrained in the workforce that it is almost impossible to change. It is easier to close the plant.

Cdn Lynx
said

Gov'ts have to start playing hard-ball!Find a law; make a law. The raping of the Cdn economy and its citizens by corporate thugs have to be sharply rebuked!If I was the federal industry minister, finance minister; freeze their financials accounts. caterpillar products entering Canada, en-route to other corporations/projects, are placed into quarantine 9-12 months or more, until the investigation of terrorism is investigated. All activity within Canada is to cease, as the company in now persona-non-grata.

Dave in Ottawa
said

Cdn Lynx, get a grip man. Just what would the government do with anything they might seize? Re-start the business? Who would they sell to? This company makes parts for Cat. Do you really think Cat would buy from them if their assets had been seized? How long would it take for the seized company to declare bankruptcy? A day, a week, maybe two?And since Caterpillar is the world's foremost manufacturer of heavy equipment, where do you plan to go to source not only new equipment, but parts for the old? The union screwed up. It's over. Maybe this will be a good lesson for future negotiations. Their day is fast coming to an end and they know it. It's only too bad that the employees, who had very little to do with the negotiations and posturing, should now have to suffer the loss of their jobs.

Amazed
said

If anyone is wondering why Cat left Canada, read some of these posts. Why does this company have to pay you high rates if they can pay lower ones elsewhere? Where does it say that amounts higher than minimum wage are required to be paid to Canadians? These are private companies, and they owe you nothing. And no, the government can't seize their assets without compensating them, its private property, do you want the government seizing your assets even though you don't owe them anything? You don't have to take a lower paying job, but the company doesn't have to pay you a higher wage just because you feel entitled. If Canadians don't want to work for $12/hour (higher than minimum wage) then they don't have to, but the company can then leave and find someone who does. They didn't take Canadian tax dollars, they only got incentives if they stayed, they left, end of incentives.

Zhimmy
said

All of you people that are making these anti-Union comments. I have one thing to say..I hope your families have the samething happen to you as what happenned to them! Then I am going to laugh at you and say.."Didn't your skills save you!" Oh wait the guy in China can do the samething for 90% less!"

Don in N.S.
said

to Professormom, 1st think you have to understand is tax breaks to located in Canada does not mean they take tax $$$ back to the States with them. They only get tax breaks if they stay in Canada not a hand full of Canadian tax dollars in cash to take with them.

Gary in N.B.
said

This has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with the global economy and greed. I was laid off 4 years ago but I had 30 years of saving and smart financial advise. I am OK even though I have no pension other than what I squirelled away. Those that I worked with have 2nd mortgages and credit cards that are maxxed out. Now they are facing lay offs and are no way prepared for what is coming. This country is full off fat and stupid people who buy stuff they don't need and don't think beyond their next pay cheque. Wake up it is going to get worse. The next big bubble will be government debt and deficits and the reduction of services as tax revenues will be squeezed even more. The civil service will be hit with their huge pay and benefits and the government will be coming after what little you have. It is not politics; it is just our fat society and lack of common sense

Mike
said

Hey Laura, Don has a good point. Lower wages are better then no wages. I guess you are a union worker with no understanding on how companies stay in bussiness. They are not there to make lots of money for the poeple they hire but to make money for the company.

spasticus
said

A little taste of reality for union folks . Wish you all well in your next position whatever it is, I hear starting wages are a bit lower than what was offered by the company. Hope you all are happy with your decision.

reidjr
said

LauraWhat do you think a fair wage is?

Toby
said

How many of you arm chair quarterbacks sitting on your fat asses would agree to the following:1. Reduce your wages by nearly 50%2. Have most of your benefits eliminated3. Have your pension eliminated.Does not matter how much you make, no one would find this acceptable. Caterpillar's objective worlwide has been to smash the unions while they make record profits. Tax money was given to Caterpillar when they took over this company, it is high time the governments demand the money back or start seizing assets.Caterpillar had no intentions on keeping this plant open. They have been holding job fairs in the US to replace these skilled jobs at $10-$15 per hour and no benefits. Be careful folks, this is the future and you might have to get your fat asses our of that comfortable chair and hit the pavement when your job is gone.

Nova Scotia Guy
said

Let us have a world wide caterpiller boycott

Cdn Lynx
said

Enough is Enough!This is corporate terrorism! They have struck the first blow!Canada Gov't seize their assets; freeze their accounts. Every thing!Oh, by the way caterpillar; You heard of the oil sands development; possible pipeline development, mining and other interests within Canada; forget it, say bye bye to that also. There are other heavy eqpt manufactures on this planet.

Len D
said

@Rick W in BC. This company is not taking any Canadian money to the States with them. The government gives them a tax break if they stay here and create jobs. They don't get money handed to them. Educate yourself before you speak.

Jt
said

Shep The thing is this is really not Harpers fault the liberals hold most of the blame.

Laura
said

Don in N.S. - your comment disgusts me. To think we should all lower our standards to 12 and 13 dollar an hour wage is demeaning and we should demand more from a company that can pay a decent wage to all employees....not just the CEO!

Jt
said

Tom In CalgaryI agree people should get a good pay should they be over paid no for some a good living is $80 a hour for a very basic job.

Jay
said

If Unions were strong they would pay their "members" 100% of their salary during a lock out or strike. Unions are bad Insurance. You pay them thousands and they pay you $50/picket shift. Never support a union that wants to strike. You NEVER make back the lost wages.

Professormom
said

To Don in NS. The answer to your post is that our tax dollars went to enticing the company to set up in Ontario in the first place. Obviously, when Harper took the photo op he failed to mention that there was nothing in the agreement to prevent the company from taking those dollars and relocating back to the U.S. ...with our taxpayers money already in their pockets.

rod
said

cant compete? well C.A.W. may i be the first to say Gratisimo seinor another job well done.

Art in Alberta
said

CIS in Dublin -- did you not read that the company made $5 BILLION in profit last year? That's more than enough to compete with any company in any industry in any country. Caterpillar should be ashamed of themselves. I for one have chalked the Caterpillar brand up to one that I will never purchase from again.

Don in N.S.
said

@ Prof. Bar Graph, I gather from your writings that you are going to try to blame this on PM Harper. I guess people like you just do not understand that when you are dealing with these large companies these days that the unions have no power over them. It is very simple, this is an American company and if the Canadian unions and workers do not want to play ball with them then they will take their toys and go home where there are a lot of people with no jobs who are very eager to work for $12 or $13. an hour. If you think about this situation like the CEO is, it boils down to $ and cents. Why pay Canadian works big bucks when we can bring the jobs back to the states and pay lower wages and more then likely get tax breaks to set a plant up in one of the States that have high jobless numbers.

dualstrats
said

unions should be made to pay these unemployed 25% of their yearly salaries for compensation as the unions FAILED again to help their members..wow in todays economy they would rather fight then accept...now no jobs no money unemployed shame on the UNION for letting this happen..go steve go

Vanc Guy
said

Another union success story!

Jim
said

My understanding the 50% was for new starts and not existing employees. I have heard that for employees making the high wages the deduction was 10%.Have not had a verification of this . If true, however, the union has a lot to answer for also

mark
said

Prof Bar Graph, I gather, seems to believe that opinions other than their own are not welcome. I would suggest that he either join CTV's moderating team or leave the moderating up to them.

reidjr
said

Debbie Does Harper some blame yes but the liberals hold most of the blame in this case.

DonnyB2
said

"Caterpillar made record profits"So what? That's the parent company. The only fact that is relevant is the profitability of this division."The CEO made $10.5M last year"Again, so what? But if you think this is relevant, just exactly how much did YOU make last year, Ken Lewenza? And how much of that came from union dues of workers that now have no job?

Rick W in BC
said

As much as I hate unions, the speed that this company decided to lock out the workers and not close the plant tells me this was their game plan all along. They are making enormous profits and the expect the workers to not only take a 50% pay cut but throw away their pensions as well. This is the type of American greed that caused this recession to happen in the first place. I think Harpers Government needs to rethink this reducing the corporate tax BS since instead of creating jobs the corporations are taking the money and running with it and either expecting people to work for slave wages or laying them off. What are you going to do about this Mr Prime Minister of Canada and Mr Premier of Ontario other than mouth empty words.

Dave in Edm
said

Average pay in Munice Indiana is similar to London Ontario, they won't get a 50% reduction in labour costs and the US/Indiana corporate tax rate is far higher than the Canada/Ontario corporate rates... The US added 240,000 jobs in January yet our PM is still using the Europe excuse...

Mike
said

Here we go again. Another 400 plus workers out of a job thanks to the greed of the union workers. Unions are doing more harm for workers these days then good.If these works can not figure that out then they are not very smart. Yes they would have to take a 50% pay cut but 15 to 18 dollars an hour is sure a lot better the 0 dollars an hour. Good luck finding another job. I bet the big union bosses are still darwing the big pay cheques.

Nicolas
said

They'll do like all the others and move mfg to China and then realize the quality isn't there. They will start losing customers and then start cutting back else where. Before you know they will be a thing of the past. I for one will never buy another Caterpillar ever again.

visogoth
said

Really, "it is the global economy so get used to it"!!! It is exactly that kind of resignation that is giving the corporatocracy the licence to do whatever they want with wages and the rights of workers. Interestingly, the next step will be to go after the workers for the cost of moving the plant to a country that will allow Catepillar to pay its workers pennies on the dollar. We are in this economic mess because, it has been the ongoing wish of the Federal Bank, The IMF and the World Bank to crush labour and reinstitute slavery. It is only going to get worse...I guarantee it.

ParkInYYC
said

Pye's comment certainly added far more value to the debate on this board than your comment did. If given a choice, I'd say I wouldn't miss useless comments over someone at least taking a position.

Brian fr Langley
said

Bar graph, what a day and age we live in when common sense is called something else. Bottom line lots of folks out of work. Proof positive that all the loonie left is doing, is supporting either no jobs or Government jobs. Either one is not sustainable. China, India and robots will ensure tighter competition for jobs, the salvation is in the markets NOT the artificial solutions of loonies.

Shane
said

wonder what the CEO's of said companies made last year and how much of a pay cut they gave themselves???

J. in Calgary
said

This is what happens when we hand over our nation to the American's via Stephen Harper's deep, Fatal Attraction type of LOVE for the USA.

time to go
said

I agree, the fake professor needs to go. He's already posting under different names as it is , retooling his drivel and hitting send.

@Debbie
said

There is no made in Canada, Debbie!!!Thanks to unionization of manufacturing in North America over past 40 years, everything is made in Asia ... China, Philippines, Thailand etc.

Lz in Edmonton
said

50 percent of nothing is still nothing. Now that our dollar is on par with the US, its cheaper to manufactor in the US. Now, US workers and their 10% unemployment can be helped, this is all about the labour and price. Unions need to recognize that. AND STOP blaming Harper, Give the democrate (AKA NDP Obama a call will you. Geeze) Cat 1, union 0

Some facts for you about unions
said

The ignorance on these on-line forums are always astonishing. Do you people have any idea what unions do to the cost of living? The cost of living explodes exponentially where ever unions are in power .... basically all of Ontario. Unions create, expand and magnify the gap between the poor and those who get union gigs, making $100,000 /year. Housing becomes decrepit, non-unionized workers become marginalized pushed in to ghetto type low cost housing, the highest rates of domestic violence is in highly unionized areas ... unions are a large part of the economic problems of this country. Ontario is one of the most unionized places in North America consequently with highest taxation rates in Canada, highest addiction numbers, highest domestic violence in the country ...

Doug
said

This seems to be one of the rare times that unions get screwed over by management.For decades it has been the other way around.To all those who are about to lose their jobs, you have my sympathy.On the other hand I would love to see the faces of all the smug, rich, forever chattering union leaders right now. Things are changing!

Prof. Venn Diegramm
said

Great news! Now we can replace these jobs with part time minimum wage positions. That will make us competitive and kick start our economy. Down with unions! More low paying part time jobs! Thank goodness my Daddy lets me live in the basement rent free.....gives me lots of time to make a career of studying. I look great in a suit.

GUTSHOT!! in Thunder Bay
said

I feel for the employees and their families BUT I dont feel bad for the CAW and those who let them run away from reality. When the CAW made a big to do political statement supporting the long gun registry and pushing for more ridiculous gun control, they didnt care about my feelings or my family either. They sought to influence my life in a negative way, so Im glad they found themselves getting beat up the same way I did. To all other union members out there, when your union oversteps its bounds or reaches beyond its reason, reign them in fast and hard, or else you'll find yourself without any support. So tuff luck CAW. Im enjoying your failure today the same way you enjoyed my darkest days. When you supported McGuinty, you hurt my business and my family's quality of life. Now, you reap what youve sown.

Sany Glass
said

Our country, it's economy, resources and citizens are being sold out. Under the current system most governments no longer have the ability to defend their citizens nor their resources aginst the greed which is reeking chaos throughout the world. It is time to stop bickering between ourselves and join forces if you desire to salvage this country for your grandchildren.

D. in Edmonton
said

Good. If you self-entitled European immigrants don't like it , you can go back to where you came from where the same lazy narcissism has demolished the economies of that continent. Unions are done in the west.

Proud Albertan
said

Normally im pretty Anti Union but in this case i hope the union totally stomps on these guys hard! 50 percent pay cut? Are you kidding me? They clearly have no intention of keeping that plant open no matter what and probably intended all along to move it back to America! this is a prime example of corporate greed that the wall street protesters were talking about! Nothing�s changed!

Niagara George
said

The CEO could take a 90% pay cut and still make over $1 million. That's huge money by most standards! I'll bet if they advertised across North America for his position, at the lower rate, they could easily get 100 000 applications. It's time for some common sense in business. Every union/worker bashing post on this site brings a smile to King Steve's face. When the people attack each other, the despot's job is half done.

Brian
said

Yes, right, Unions are a cancer!. How do the employees like their union now?

Prof. Bar Graph
said

Professor Pie Chartt. Please please please go away. Ask your mummy to give you back your crayons, or ask your daddy Stephen to take you to the park. I gather you believe what you spew, but you are overstaying your time on these boards.

cis in dublin shore ns
said

The problem basically comes down to that Caterpiller has to live within the world market and the wages have got out of hand and the company can no longer compete against other engine and equipment builders world wide

Brian
said

Yep, the CAW sure showed them....I don't like it either but it is a global economy so get used to it. Small business has to adjust all the time.

Jason from London
said

I think we all saw this coming. Asking to take a more than 50% pay cut is horrible, regardless of whether you believe union workers are overpaid--what would you have to give up in your own life? It's sad to say, but I don't think London will recover easily from this. Caterpillar has set a precedent, and good luck to the London government finding new businesses to replace all of the lost jobs because we've essentially held to the belief of good paying employment (not that I disagree with that). It's a hard road ahead, people, and we better start adjusting to this.

Norma
said

This is happening wherever Americans buyout Canadian Companies. What do Canadian Companies do when the buyout American Companies? It appears that there is no Canadian control in managing the destruction of Canadian Companies by the Americans. This is so sad that all we do is stand by and say duh!

lawnman
said

americans are taking are jobs not overseas--are goverment is chicken to stand up for our rights..should be made to pay back any goverment money,,,butare goverment will problay give them a kiss,,,union is good but when our own goverment dosent stand buy our workers--would goverment take 50 %pay cut move our goverment jobs as well---this is what happens when we voted conservative

LS
said

Anyone willing to take a 50% pay cut without any negotiation while the company makes record profits? Doesn't matter if your union or non-union, this was bad faith by the company. Perhaps Ontario Gov't should show displeasure buy refusing to buy ANY equipment from Cat in the future. There are other companies to buy from.

Darryl
said

Can someone explain to me how the federal gov't is responsible for the company shutting down the plant? The company decided to "railroad" (pun intended) the employees with their salacious demands yet last time I checked it wasn't the gov't of canada at the negotiating table with the unions. I place the blame solely on caterpillar!

Mike in ON
said

For all those who are complaining about 'the company' doing this while raking in 'record profits' - read closer: CATERPILLAR had record profits, not Electro-Sonic. Sounds to me like Electro-Sonic's labour costs had simply ballooned to where they couldn't stay afloat any longer. Yeah, 50% is a big pill to swallow, but if you want to keep your job, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Robert in Courtice
said

I hate to say I told you so....but... Caterpillar started all this bad-faith bargaining with the full intention of closing this plant from the get-go,despite any concessions garnered from the CAW (which would have been a slam-dunk,seeing as how that's ALL they've done in the last 5 years).

DGinSK
said

This just stinks.Don't blame unions, they are they helping people make a decent living. This is pure greed. This is what is causing the problems in America, soon they will have 30 corporations employing 10000 people, with 360 million living on food stamps!5 Billion in profit, ceo salary over 10M for year, I wonder how much all the people working there made in 1 year?Its time for the government to step up to the plate, reopen that company as a Canadian corporation, and put a block on all Caterpillar equipment coming to Canada!When will it end, when no one has a job!

quinn
said

Times are tough for every one ,but this is the result of greed . Maybe we should tell Obama to buy oil some place else . No more tax breaks for any American company doing business in CanadaDont let the door hit you in the ass .

roy
said

brace yourselves in the auto sector because they will be next,if the union don't see the writing on the wall then they are dum.

Gord
said

Compete and be competitive or perish. Will the CAW ever learn and stop leading their members down the garden path? Employers usually hold all the cards and this employer has been dead serious all along and no amount of dancing around a burning oil barrel in freezing temperatures hurling insults at the employer changes anything. In an age of multi nationals, union hostage taking doesn't work anymore. Hello Indiana bye bye Ontario.

Ray, Mississauga
said

How many manufacturers in the world produce heavy construction equipment? Aside from Finning, who needs Caterpillar?

chel in the Peg
said

Very unfortunate, however blaming Harper & Co. is just silly partisan ranting.

NH
said

A 50% paycut would be a tough pill to swallow for anyone.... but having no job at all and trying to find one making comparable wages($35/hr as stated in previous news stories) in this new reality is going to make paying the bills an even tougher pill to swallow. I think maybe people that work for unions should start looking at the bigger picture and thinking for themselves and standing up to the UNION leaders for what is best for them..... after all these people may now be out of a job, but the Union leaders still have theirs!!!

DB
said

I normally don't side with unions, but this one has nothing to do with the union. The company was not interested in negotiating in the first place. Take a 50% pay cut yourself before coming here to bash at those workers.

peter in BC
said

You know, they predicted this when Electro-Motive bought out the plant. Then when they demanded a 50% pay cut to the employees, the writing was on the wall. This plant was doomed when the American giant bought them out. The only winner in this deal was the previous owner. Oh, that and the current CEO who walked away with $10.5 million. All comes down to greed. Pathetic.

Zhimmy
said

Gross this is absolutely GROSS! I hate our capitalist society!

Graydon
said

Way to go CAW, your tactics are disastrous. The only silver lining, is your not going to get paid either - no jobs, no union dues!

Dave
said

Unions and gov'ts have an important role in looking after the workers and society in general: companies look to maximize their profits for their shareholders, pure and simple. In a democracy such as ours, we cannot force a company to keep a plant open that is losing money even if the rest of the corporation is making record profits.Canadians should be worried about American protectionism: 75% of our trade is with our continental partners with Canada enjoying as much as a $100 billion dollar surplus in various years. We run trade deficits with every other country other than Denmark (I believe, it may be the Netherlands).

Shep
said

I have to laugh too. Didn't most of the London ridings vote for Harper? Now you see what you get, London. Ha ha ha. Suck it up. Everybody take a fifty percent pay cut.

Jeremy
said

Capitalism is not working anymore. Corporate greed is ensuring that fair and equitable treatment of employees is a thing of the past. How many of you in the private sector have a pension plan provided by your employer. Not many I bet. It is a shame what is happening to the middle class in Canada and the U.S. as well. This is class warfare, and it is time we all realize it.

garry
said

Caterpillar -Finning did a similar thing in Alberta and got away with it with the Republican PC's support even after the Unions won in court.It is not the Unions fault .Caterpillar signed it's last collective agreement knowing full well it was going to close it's plant and relocate it in the American deep south where the unemployment is so high due to more American greed (subprime mortgages )that the people will work for slave wages .Why go offshore when you can create slaves at home .Again Unions exist so that the average person can have a decent income ,health benefits,small retirement pension,and a grievance process.It is not to much to ask in a society as wealthy as ours.Catepillar-Finning is making huge profits and paying out the mega bonuses and turns around and stomps on their frontline workers -shabby,shabby,scabby!!!!!

Yar
said

Hey Dalton I thought the HST was supposed to make companies love Ontario. We can blame the unions we can blame the owners and I think we can blame bad leadership. The sad part of all of this is there is no safety net. 40 jobs were just lost in Owen Sound as jobs are moving south

RobertSON
said

Plain and simple. It's cheaper for them to operate in the states, especially with the push on the made in America agenda... And dealing with unions in this province is no picnic. Sad for the workers and their families, but no one can be surprised by this. Our gov't needs to start focusing on some made in Canada and fight for our own economy and workers!

Jay
said

Your union got your pay inflated but now you are too expensive compared to the US. How do you like your union now? The only people that lost here is the employees....the union still has your union dues. ANOTHER LOSS FOR UNIONS....wake up people. A UNION does not create or secure jobs. They create an environment of greed and hate.

Mike
said

Wouldn't negotiate a 50% paycut. But will have to live with a 100% paycut. E. I . will eventually run out. Now look for a job with little or no benefits for 15-18/hr somewhere else. When (IF) you find one you will think it is great. Get in line, there are plenty of us looking for these jobs too. And we've been looking longer. I wonder if CAT would hire me for $15.00/hr and benefits. I'll take it. Corporate greed...or ... Union greed . Its all the same. We (the workers) lose!

Vincent
said

I can't believe that some posters are siding with Cat on this. 4 billion in PROFITS!! 50% pay increase to 10 million to the CEO. Here's a question. How many of you would be willing to take a 50% pay cut? But then again, you are probably the only ones who can do your jobs. You are all irreplaceable. Unlike the workers on the line, which can be replaced by any moron, right.

eddytoronto
said

It doesnt matter union or Not You will all have a Worthless Pension...2300 jobs created 2300 Jobs Lost and gone to a foreign land ...With these job losses in London thats another 2300 mortages in the trash...The 3rd World is slowly creeping up on yall... Prepare Now!

MC in BC
said

If my Boss handed me a 50% pay decrease, I would simply quit and find another job. You need to have a skill in this new economy to survive. These workers do not and they know it. The days of cradle to grave jobs right out high school are done folks.

Alan
said

Where was the union one year ago. Where was the CAW at the time the horses were being stolen.That is when investment was going into the Muncie Indiana plant and the union took the company at their word they would stay open. How could they compete in Canada with the upgraded Muncie plant. That was the time to contact the government. Sorry I have been through that and I fault the union mgmt for not having dealt with it then.

GHW
said

Unions are basically communist sub-systems rooted within free market capitalist companies. Communism or Capitalism, I wonder which system is better? Well both have a history for sure. Either one left unfettered by any pressure to moderate will become ugly monsters but economic reality is that capitalism is the only system that produces wealth while Communism clearly does not. When Unions start gaining too much influence they, like their grand parent movement, suck the life out of a company. I wonder if there is a better way to regulate reasonable balanced fairness in the work place? When people are involved, probably not. Good luck to all those who lost their jobs. Stay positive, work hard at your search and God bless.

initforthemoney
said

We should all scream foul!!!!!! A privately held company is trying to make as much profit as possible for their shareholders!!!! Are you kidding me???? People are in business to make money. Plain and simple. It is not greed, it is called opportunity. It is up to the consumer to decide if they should buy Caterpillar product after how the company dealt with this situation. If they keep buying the product, then get mad at the consumer.

Left Coaster
said

They should move out to British Columbia and work for the Pulp Mill Industry ....... the Unions are closing them down out here as well.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Sad news. However, anyone shocked by this needs their head examined. Caterpillar wrote it on the factory wall: "It isn't worth it for us to keep this plant open, given the company's business model and competitive options, unless Electro-Motive workers take a major hit to their compensation. Markedly reduced pay or no job; that's your choice." Brutal. Once again, of course, the painfully stubborn CAW convinced itself that hateful ideological fighting and arguing represented the best negotiating strategy. (While I wouldn't expect any workers to be even remotely happy with such a major concession, one has to wonder how many Electro-Motive workers, in the end, would have chosen the lesser of the two evils. How many are now thinking, "Well, a job for half the pay is better than being unemployed, given my current options, in this economy.") Another closed plant in Ontario. Certainly not the first. Such is business; however, the pain to workers and their families should never be ignored to make a justifying political argument.

jim in the kawarthas
said

Greed is the essence of this story, on many fronts.
The company putting profits first and bellying up to the protectionist trough - of buy American a policy created aginst the reality that trade is often interdependent. The tool to get the job done - insulting demands.
The union for living in the past when things were booming and big wages the norm.

AC in NB
said

When people are against unions it's usually for a reason. Most people will agree that unions were great at getting a fair wage along with working conditions. What the problem is; and this is a true story, I remember years ago working in a uninized packing plant. A string of lights went out, and under the safety act we couldn't work until they were fixed, there was about 15 of us. We had to call a maintenance guy; at home, get there 2 1/2 hours later to change 2 bulbs. Which any one of us could have fixed in 10min. So, 15 guys paid almost 3 hours each for doing nothing, and the maintenance guy paid 4 hours; because he was called in, for 10 min work.

Frank from London
said

Talk about greed the company wants the workers to take a 50% pay loss but yet they have record profits what a bunch of greedy scum

GRS
said

I think some of the people commenting here are confused. This is not a victory for the CAW. I don't believe that they ever claimed it was. They appear to have been given an unreasonable set of demands and stood their ground as any union would in that case. This is not a surprise. How could anyone support a 50% rollback of their wage? No one would. It's the equivalent of saying "you can keep your job here, but we'll have to take your house in exchange`. The skilled workers from this plant will go elsewhere. The labourers may now be unemployed. This is unethical business practice on the part of Caterpillar. Period.

Something?
said

Something was better then nothing, now you have nothing.................

Tom in Calgary
said

How many billion is enough for these companies? I never understand the mentality of forcing everyone to take less income when the profit is there to give those who create the profit a decent standard of living. This isn't about greedy unions. It is about families, healthy children and healthy communities. Just because you don't make what the workers made doesn't mean they should give up their incomes. You could always strive for more. If you think their jobs are so good, apply for one or take the training to become a skilled tradesperson. Why do we always want to drag others down instead of working ourselves to improve our own situation?

MikeW
said

I am by no means a union supporter, however if one dime of taxpayer money has gone into this firm i want it all back

Proud Steelworker
said

@ Mark in NewmarketSo you think any worker union or not should accept a 50% wage cut??? This while the CEO makes how much again?? What cuts did he take in these "hard economic times"?? This is just an excuse for Catapillar to move to their business to another country where they can abuse workers rights and offer them next to nothing for wages. All Canadians should be disgusted by this type of corporate behavior. Give your head a shake!!

bill
said

so this is OK to ask people to take a 50% decrease while the company makes over 60bil and is predicting to rev. over 70bil next year? .. 50% this time , then 50% next time , big private companies want labour to be at "sweatshop" rates to make the most profit , is that what WE want???

Niagara George
said

@A guy with no pension plan: I think, even Steve and Jimbo would disagree with you nonsensical post. Pension are definitely not a thing of the past. If workers don't have pensions, the government will be responsible for them in old age. That is not something the Cons or any other party want. Go out and get qualified for a better job. Take some courses. Age is not a deterent. The Cons want you to stay right where you are and attack anyone who is financially more secure than you are. Tell them they are full of it and move up the economic ladder.

Harpers Fault
said

This was simply a strong arm tactic from Cat to shut down the plant. 50% pay cut is absolutely ludicrous. They did that on purpose for an excuse to blame the union for closing the plant. All the while laughing to the bank with the billions of dollars Harper gave them. He was more than happy to use the location as a photo op to help himself get elected. Now he is quiet. Wonder why. Maybe he should have actually used his head and put some conditions on the money he gave them. Our money. Oh well. There are worse things Harper is blowing money on.

tony
said

50% wage cut. The company was not wanting to re-open the plant. They want to have all the production outside Canada and USA so they can have workers do the job in bad working conditions for less than min wage. They just want more $ into thier own pockets

Jon in Burlington
said

Union Leaders once again lewd their members down the road to unemployment. The 50% cut was for the most basic workers [unskilled] the balance were between 18% and 40%. So rather than have 60-70% coming in they now have zip. The union insist on playing hard ball with he big guys, and they never learn. The should have a hard look at Hamilton, Collingwood, Toronto etc.Shame, Shame on you union leaders. I blind person could have seen how this was going to turn out if you didn't accept the offer.I wonder how many jobs have have been lost in Canada by the Union unreasonable and silly demands

Debbie
said

Immoral corporate greed will eventually turn the majority of us (99%) into poverty stricken slaves who can't afford to buy anything to support Canada's economy. Nice future for our kids. We need good manufacturing jobs in Canada so we aren't forced to buy the cheaply made junk that flows from China. We need to made do with less but of better quality. Buy Made in Canada.

Cheryl
said

My level of sympathy for the workers would depend on where the 50% pay decreases put them at. If it was a correction to get their pay in line with market value based on their education and experience, then I don't think that is an unfair ask. Is CAT greedy? Sure they are... all companies are.. but that is their right. As workers, we choose to play by our employers rules. If you don't like it, go somewhere else or start your own company. What really gets me is the greediness we're seeing in the unions these days. I think CAT is making a great point by pulling out of London and showing the unions who really has the power.

Dave in Ontario
said

I once thought the unions might be overzealous in their fight but decided to wait and get the whole story. It wasnt long before i heard the top executive just received a salary raise from 5 million to 10 million meanwhile wanting the workers to take a 50 percent cut. I believe you must set the example before asking people to take a cut. Not only this I recently found out that the company's intentions has always been to move the plant to the United States and therefore provided the workers with an offer they could not accept. In this case the company could say they negotiated but the workers were unreasonable. I guess the lesson here is wait get all the facts and then sift through them to find out what is really happening in a situation. Sometimes it is the unions and sometimes it is the company executives and sometimes it is the government.

Ron
said

Although the company as a whole made a substantial profit, this business unit didn't. Why run a business if you lose money? 50% of something is better than nothing, either take it or go find another job. Screw the Unions they have ruined more companies in this country. No place for them in todays society.

Dave in Courtenay
said

Caterpillar announced a corporate policy a year ago that they would be progressively relocating manufacturing from China back to the U.S.A. Better results at home. Unfortunately, we're competing with the U.S. in this case.

Sid
said

it's pretty hard to take a 50% wage cut if it doesn't pay the bills, what's the point of taking the job if you have to claim bankruptcy? It was just a matter of time till things like this started to happen. Because the housing bubble blew in the US they can afford to work for 50% less but here in Canada you can't. The economy will now start to balance it's self out we will lose more jobs to the US and more Canadians will lose their homes. American companies will continue to pack up & go home until Canadians can afford to work for 50% less. Once Canada's housing bubble pops and home prices drop by about 50% then Canadians will be able to take these huge decreases in salary & the American companies will come back. How many of these 450 newly unemployed put their homes up for sale today? It's only a matter of time & the bubble will pop, globalized economies only work when the cost of living is the same in each country. The big housing bubble will pop we get a little closer to it everyday only then will our economy improve..

Rob
said

Marc Bissonnette hit the nail on the head about.unions and there methods. Why do union members not have an independent audit of CAW assets and its wage structure of its employees.

H
said

Shameful, and what is the Gov't of Canada going to do about this ?? Caterpillar just announced record profits and they did this because the shaft their on line workers, keep their salaries as low as possible and then pay senior mgmt. big salaries.The gov't should charge them a 5 yr. penalty of salary and benefits lost for ea. job this province and country has lost because of this GREED by its parent co. Caterpillar.And our PM says we are doing so well, tell that to the people who are having their jobs stolen from thyem by GREED.

Ivan
said

i might be more on the company's side if they haven't been having record breaking profits. But this seems like nothing more than corporate greed and a stick to bash their US workers to not ask for more.

Mark in Newmarket
said

You can blame Cat all you want on this, however with the over aggressive heavy handed posturing that Unions are pushing into the face of these privately owned companies which are there to make a profit are naturally going to shutter these plants and move them to locations where they can actually make money and without a labour force who's Union leaders are going to threaten to stop work for every little tiny thing that they don't get from their outrageous demands. It is time these Unions begin to realize that things have changed, these companies can move and will move to area's where labour is much cheaper and the threat of a work stoppage is non existant.

Pam
said

Big surprise. Obviously that's what Caterpillar had planned all along. Shame on them.

RF Johns
said

Most sources knew this was going to happen.The union wouldn't bend knowing that this would set a precedent in negotiations in the future with government where they have a huge union base so they sacrificed you guys in London.Sure $16.50 to $18.50 per hour hurts your macho manhood but this is how it is in Canada now that Obama wants US operations going back to good old USA.Blame our high paid politicians because FTA and NAFTA did it.

Gilbert in Orleans
said

The workers in this case a the big looser in a battle between a company and union. The company is no loosing anything and the union either. Unions in this day and age are the same a big companies, they no longer care about the little guy. Change is needed and the days of unions are gone.

Greg
said

OK, what's the rest of the story? How much were they making per hour before they were locked out?

DRR
said

So the comments against Harper, are that the reduced corporate tax rates are the reason this company closed? They would have stayed open if they had to pay higher taxes? The government has lowered tax rates to promote business and maintain it for the employees of all companies in Canada. The decision to close this company was decided long before the labour issues were even discussed, it simple was the scape goat reason for the closure.

Philip Gross
said

Cat should simply give the plant to the workers. The capital costs have certainly been witten off, so they lose nothing in such an act.

Debbie
said

The company did not negotiate in good faith in my opinion. Would any of you honestly accept a 50% wage cut with a smile and gratitude? Didn't think so. It was an accept this or else deal. That's not negotiation and the company deliberately did this knowing full well the workers couldn't afford to accept it so they immediately locked them out and started packing. That's dishonest. The price of everything keeps going up and the Conservatives expect everyone to afford this on 50% wages AND save for their retirement. Get real!

Lz in Edmonton
said

Good on Cat! It happened in Edmonton with Gainers. The union wouldn't recognize anything from the company so the company shut down the plant and everyone lost their jobs. Guess what happened. The union heads dusted their hands off and left town and all the employees lost their jobs and didn't have a union anymore representing them. The union didn't care anymore as the employees were not paying union dues anymore... how could they without jobs. Guess Unions are big business too. What was wrong with the wages before the strike in an economy that is HYPER competitive.... was it Really that bad???

John H
said

Union people don't get it. What higher ups get paid isn't any of their business. Companies are ran by board of directors who have to pay their management high salaries to get the best people. That's the new facts of life in this new age. I do side with the workers who were asked to take a 50% pay decrease. It's my opinion that Caterpillar decided to close this plant anyway but are sending a message throughout their company that they are prepared to close plants based on salary disputes.

ScrewTheHaters
said

All you people who gloat about families losing there jobs and livelihood, are truly sick. I hope you all choke on the big corporate sausage!

A guy with no pension plan
said

Is there a way to stop the CAW mafia from ruining the country? This is the 21-st century and we have global competition. Ridiculously high wages and pension plans are simply a thing of the past. CAW will drive us all into bakrupcy, if that is what it takes, just to keep their cozy jobs and to make sure people who make $12/hr support their pension plan deficits. Well, I have no pension plan and no intention of funding somebody elses!

Are you kidding me?
said

To all of you whinning about the unions and congratulating Cat ask yourselves this in your current job (I assume your non unionised since you whine so much) would you bend over if the owner or manager told you were getting a 50% pay cut? If it meant you now had to work 2 jobs or couldn't afford the basic things for your familly? Get this staight these were not people making 100K a year they were blue collar employees with famillies.

Axeman
said

Let me give the Union bashers here blaming the closure on the CAW a little economics lesson.Do you think Cat (an American company) would be considering this closure if the CAD was still 0.60USD? No.Does Cat want to get into bed with Obama's "Buy American" plan to get tax breaks for creating American jobs? Yes.Does Cat give a rat's behind about what happens to Canada, the Canadian economy, or Canadian workers? No.This is all about corporate greed, and lining the shareholders' pockets with even more money, regardless of the collateral damage.

Steve G
said

Walter...well saidThese posters who are getting some kind of perverse pleasure from seeing workers getting fired should be ashamed of themselves!Shame is obviously an emotion that they lack.Best wishes for the workers and their families.

LOUGAROU from Ottawa
said

This business makes a record profit then tells the workers/union that they want them to roll back their wages by 50%!!!! Hey Allan......get a grip!

IN KW ONTARIO
said

Clearly the unions here had to stand up, it was a tough decision and the company moved somewhere else. The company didn't do the moral thing BUT the talk of corporate tax cuts being wrong here is not relevant to this debate. If they move, they aren't getting lower rates from the government. For situations like this, there's no law that can be put into place, sometimes things work on just good faith,

Pags
said

I had a grin when i read this story. The union wants to use words like greedy? Look in the mirror. You were greedy, felt your membership had something valuable to offer.well you don't.enjoy trying to find something different and maybe you should think about the greedy threats first next time.

Pasquinel
said

This unfortunately is the beginning of corperations pushing back as agrressively as unions have overstepped their authorities with outrageous demands. Why should a line worker make more than or even close to wages of a a Registered Nurse. Greed on both sides have created a gross imbalance. He who has the gold wins. Cash talks Bull sh*t Walks. $12 to $15/hr is an honorable wage . I'm glad gov't didn't step in we already have enough corporate welfare bums. Try Plan B.

NON UNION
said

Ah once again when the Unions in this country fail, everyone points their fingers to the Prime Minister. Its amasing the in BC and Ontario where unions come up the most in the news, the follow up article is the company then folds. Yes the gov. can throw in tax breaks to keep companies going for the workers but at the end of the day, if that company is not owned by the government, then it can pack up any time they want. Unions got to go, just watch where CAT sets up in the states. Lower wages, non unionized state.

Marc Bissonnette
said

I am *NOT* a fan of unions. I think they're greedy, thuggish and reek of communism.However: In this particular case, Caterpillar demanding a *FIFTY PERCENT* cut in wages - Not only is that completely unreasonable, but it was done specifically with the goal of shutting the plant down: They bought it to eliminate competition and reduce prices, then shut it down in order to move the jobs back to the US to the suckers working for close to minimum wage. I am assuming that they agreed to a bunch of conditions on buying this company: I hope they have large financial penalties to pay, now that they've shut the plant down.

David in Calgary
said

I would really like to hear the full story on this.Was this plant making money?Are employee costs too expensive compared to the United States?

rat-ripper
said

Of course their shutting it . their moving that production somewhere else where workers will be hired at half the pay rate . This is what all the manufacturing companies are doing . General Motors did it to the Oshawa workers . They claimed they were broke while building a new plant in China. The destruction of manufacturing and the middle class is almost complete in Canada . Thanks Free Trade ...the miracle that was suppose to be good for Canada . So now we will work for minimum wage , no benefits and no pensions and the Union bashers have got their way . Welcome to Walmart !

James Kelso
said

I'm not exactly pro union but the company asking for a 50% pay reduction was ridiculous.

ORiginal Canadien
said

is it unfair? you bet it is.however, an employer can choose to offer whatever compassations they choose to down to minimum wage and whoever does not like it can simply go somewhere else for employment.Good luck finding work now losers!

Gerry
said

DUHHHH! I said in my earlier comments on other stories about this that a company in Edmonton a few years ago shut down under this same scenario and the workers blamed the company and not the union,,,these workers should blame their union, the leaders still ahave their jobs and will go on to the nextsupposed fight but the workers are now left scratching their heads saying what do I do now, now that I have to think for myself.

Dixie from Alberta
said

So how did the unions save this plant????

WhatsamattaU
said

Hey there Vote NDP. If they do as you suggest and seize the company, what are they going to do and where are they going to sell their product. They make parts for Caterpillar. Get it? Do you actually think Cat will continue to deal with a company that was seized from them? Give yourself a shake. It is thinking like this that will bring down the NDP faster than anything else.

Won't be the last
said

Shame on them, and shame on you for supporting this greedy disgusting company. All in the name of USA protectionism. It's either us or them now, enough with this global economy. It's all lies so fat piggies can get fatter. Your futures are nothing more then shares at a bargaining table. I feel for the family''s and all those in London this will effect. In a time were we can afford one more person on the E.I line. The ripples in the pond are getting bigger and bigger everyone. At what point do we stop this reckless disregard for our society, all for the sake of profits. This greed will not stop, till we stop it...

Walter
said

Stella, you say they should have bargained in good faith? When asked to increase production those workers did so to the tune of 20%. The company made record profits last quarter with the CEO taking home 10.5 million last year. The company then asks for wage roll backs of up to 50% and won't come to the table with the union. Get the facts before demonizing these unions.

Dave in Ottawa
said

When you promise to bring management to their knees, first you'd better make sure they have nowhere else to go. Now who's crying? These were good, comparatively high paying, jobs. I'm sure these workers will miss them. But congrats on your "victory" CAW.

justmesummer
said

Get use to it, with the union it,s all or nothing. I was in a retail union that wouldn't move to the middle when it came to wages, guess what the company shut the store down, am I bitter, yes I am but with the union not the company.

Murray
said

Hooray!!! More tax breaks for rich corporations who will screw you out of a job anyways!!! Good job CONs!

MikeInBC
said

This was the plan all along. I hope that unionized workers now refuse to operate Caterpillar equipment.

Bobby B
said

Good thing Harpers tax breaks helped the decision :-( my heart goes out to the workers who made this company profitable before they turned their backs on them. Stay strong my brothers and sisters!

steve
said

dropping the ball stevie boy, dropping the ball.

Camwest
said

@ Debbie... stop blaming the Conservatives for this, what did you want them to do? they are trying to give competitive corporate rates to attract companies to Canada so that companies can pay the higher wages we demand, maybe the workers should not have asked for so much, it is a downturn in the economy.Wake up and stop blaming others.

Drew in NS
said

I guess the strike is over then. I fully support Caterpillers decision. I hope Metro Transit in Halifax takes a lesson from Catepiller............Unions are a cancer

allan
said

good news---the unions screw themselves again.

Vote NDP in the next federal/provincial election
said

Its time to seize EMD from Caterpillar since their tactics are ruining the economy.

terry778
said

Well now, there you go. Caterpillar 1 , Unionized employees 0

Stella in Toronto
said

From good wages to no wages. Should of bargained in good faith.

Debbie
said

When will the corporate tax breaks start trickling down to the workers? Those generous tax breaks seem to have lost their way and are stuck in the pockets of big foreign corporations. I'm so happy Mr. Harper is providing good, solid jobs to Americans! (that's sarcasm)

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I feel that if certain organs were in demand, less effort would be made to revive people. Am I being silly? Not really. I had a bad experience in hospital when my heart stopped, the doctors tried to revive me and failed. They stopped and said I was gone. I came around on my own when the nurse was giving a final BP reading of 'zero'. I heard her declare me dead! It was all I could do to shake my head but they never caught on til I was able to open my eyes. You should have seen them scramble then! I thought the nurse was going to faint. The thing is, I think we may write people off too soon when there is something of value to be gained from them.

me

Should all Canadians be automatically considered organ donors?

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