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.

Tata Nano - the $2,500.00 car!

The People's Car has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system. Meets all safety requirements, environmentally friendly, (per their standards...) 25 km per litre!

"Lost your job yet? Keep buying foreign" as the CAW/UAW bumper stickers tell us.

Well folks, the foreigners are doing something that we aren't doing! Responding realistically to the current climate. Both literally and figuratively considering the environmental and financial situations.

*Edit* Michelle has pointed out to me, and upon thought I agree with her that environmentally this will NOT be a good thing for an area already battling awful air pollution. I also wonder if a country where only 7 in 1000 own a car if the infrastructure will be able to handle the sudden increase of cars?

Perception vs Reality

"Mayor Eddie Francis's State of the City address May 14 ruffled some feathers. In a rare step for a mayor of union-strong Windsor, Francis suggested labour leaders refrain from talking tough - lest potential investment be scared off."

These words, infuriated Buzz Hargrove... insisting that the CAW is NOT militant, not threatening and does no harm to the perceived image of Windsor as a welcoming, prosperous and investment worthy city...

then today's paper...

Tough talk
"CAW boss vows to 'take down' GM if transmission plant is left out of future plans..."

Yep, it's a perception problem alright, no militancy here. Way to "court" new investment Buzz! Why waste money on flowers and candy when you can just cut to the chase with "pick me or else!" Hey wait... if GM was a woman, he'd be in jail!