New world, old bargaining? Unions and the new economy.

Windsor Match Plate, a long operating Windsor Ontario shop clearly told their employees that this was their final offer. They say they were taking jobs at a loss just to keep the work coming in while trying to find a solution. They submitted their offer through the Ministry of Labour and the union, CAW Local 195, voted on it.

"Our members solidly rejected what the company has termed its final offer," said Gerry Farnham, president of Canadian Auto Workers Local 195 which represents the workers.
"We're now waiting for an opportunity to get back to the table to try and resolve these issues."

The company has as much as said they will now close the doors. I'm not sure what part of "final offer" Mr. Farnham didn't understand. I am sure of one thing.

Some people still have not figured out that on September 16th, 2008 we woke up to a new economic world. Did you not pick up a newspaper? Read anything on your computer that gave you a clue? Virtually every plant building cars in North America has been closed for the past few weeks. Few have been sold at dealerships now facing closures. Entire countries have teetered on the verge of insolvency. What part of this is too hard for you to figure out?

The days of $30 an hour, paid personal days, COLA and all the other perks paid for by struggling companies are over. A reduction of $4 to $6 and hour, from $30, is still a pretty damn good wage and beats the heck out of Unemployment Insurance or welfare.

I'm getting dizzy from shaking my head in disbelief. It's a new world, time to wrap your head around it.

*EDIT* Hmmm, I just heard, on the news, that the CAW has changed it's mind on talking about renegotiating contracts with "the big 3." Apparently they now think that due to the current economic climate it may be necessary, even though "wages are not the problem." There's to be a meeting in Toronto for discussion. Kenny and the boys may have had an epiphany! Actually, thinking about this sudden change of vision, it serves to make the Windsor Local 195 and Mr. Farnham look a tad foolish and kind of on the outside as far where his Union stands on these issues.