Skilled Trades Association, CAW Local 199 St. Catharines (General Motors Unit) | ||||||
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Michael Grimaldi. This letter is regarding a pamphlet sent to General Motors employees endorsed by Mr. Michael Grimaldi. I have worked for General Motors for 18 1/2 years as a Millwright in St. Catharines. Recently, our skilled trades force were acknowledged by the company for the fastest ramp-up in GM history for the new engine line. We received t-shirts in recognition of this huge accomplishment. In the other plant, we celebrated 80 years of quality rear axles ceasing production. We received t-shirts (and roast beef on a bun). Most recently, in the components plant, we were named by the corporation as the 'best of the best'. We received ... a jacket ... We just completed the installation and implementation of the rad and strut assembly modules which only ten skilled trades were invited for ... beef on a bun... With all your positive facts in this 'General Motors An Overview' brochure, never was it mentioned of the skilled work force and their commitment, loyalty, and dedication in accomplishing General Motor's goal of being the world's automotive leader. It is with much dismay that I receive this brochure on the last week of my employment with General Motors. Due to poor management, planning, and utilization of skilled trades and projects, a numerous amount of skilled trades have been laid off for no apparent reason or justification. In the last week that the union was negotiating with the company, General Motors management simply stated, 'We don's have to save these jobs, so we won't.'. It is my understanding from my floor supervision that these lay-off were unnecessary and without justification. The letter accompanying the brochure indicated that 'the best is yet to come'. If this is a sign that I will be employed with a company that treats its employees with dignity and respect and is accountable for their actions (i.e., lay-offs), then I look forward to my future; seeing that I have dedicated most of my adult life to General Motors and its success. Sincerely, Mr. Geoff Maybee | ||||||
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