Skilled Trades Association, CAW Local 199 St. Catharines (General Motors Unit) | ||||||
| ||||||
Mr. Grimaldi I’m a laid off millwright from your St. Catharines plant. I’m sure you are aware of trades cutbacks here. What you may not be aware of is the passion of your work force here in Niagara. We want to work and we deserve a non-threatened future. I will tell you why. We have established a Skilled Trades Association dedicated to the well being of all skilled trades on and off the job. The response has been exceptional, not only from the laid off guys, but also our friends on the inside. As a GM plant goes we are very small. But I believe that gives us a distinct advantage. Everyone knows everyone personally. When one person hurts we all hurt. (layoffs hurt). I’ve seen it happen so many times in the plant, where someone finishes their job and they look to see if someone else needs help. That’s because of friendship. No one hides from responsibility here. Information is shared freely and assistance is offered without hesitation. For the most part we all get along with management. We are fortunate to have many great supervisors and managers that treat us respectfully and elicit good craftsmanship and a sincere effort from us. I’m not trying to make us out to be perfect. We have our good and bad days. I’m trying to impress upon you our willingness to get along, do a good days work, have a few laughs and our contentment resulting in quick, effective responses. The bottom line is, if GM makes out good so should we. Mr. Grimaldi we feel let down. Your people have their beans to count but we are people with families not beans. We are very good folks. Hard working folks. We are doing a conscientious professional job for you and our community. We are putting in many extra hours, not only for ourselves but also because we know production needs our support. Mr. Grimaldi you need to do everything in your power to ensure that we, some of your very best people, are always employed. It is to your advantage to allow us to help you achieve your goals. We don’t give you any trouble, we help produce great products and we are ready to give what ever it takes to get the job done professionally and conscientiously. I know we receive good wages for remaining at home. It’s not always about the money. We need to work and if you are as smart as they say you are, you will realize that you need us working where we can do you the most good. We don’t need or want any free ride. I don’t know the type of people you are used to working with. I’m here to tell you that the work force of GM St. Catharines is a family, full of strong relationships and smart, willing people. We like each other and it shows in our products and our production. We have had the sword over our heads since 1992 and the foundry closure. Even during these hard felt times we kept up good volume and outstanding quality. We ask you, “Please put us back to work and award us the contracts necessary to insure us years of worry free employment” and in return you will continue to receive high quality products in a timely manner. With Kindest Regards Papa Dez | ||||||
| ||||||
