Skilled Trades Association, CAW Local 199 St. Catharines (General Motors Unit) | ||||||
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Letter To The Editor Thursday, December 4, 2003 I am writing this letter in regards to the Standards article December 3, 2003 “No Respect From GM, Laid off Worker Laments” First and foremost, I would like Papa Dez to know that he and the Skilled Trades Association has the support of the majority of General Motors workers, both skilled trades and production. The feelings of disrespect, reaches much further than just the laid off workers. It is a feeling most workers feel on a daily basis. In the Components Plant, where I have work for more than 20 years, the company is constantly trying to implement new work practices and changes with almost no regards for employee well being. What I find most disturbing about the article, is the fact that no one from our local management team had any comments regarding the issue, yet when the new V-6 line was introduced, local management lined up to take the credit. I am sure if Mr. Low was to check his facts, he would see that the construction crew he refers to has worked almost 7 days a week since these workers were laid off. Just recently in our Plant Chairman’s Report, Mr. Orr reported that the Maintenance department in the Components Plant was 1300 jobs behind which add insult to injury. As for the extended shifts issue, our local union started a campaign, in which they asked our members not to work the extended shifts in support of all the laid off workers because the number of extended shifts had become excessive. Members were presented with buttons to show their support for “No” extended shifts. I proudly wear this button myself. In June of this year the Components Plant received an award from the Corporation for being “The Best Of The Best” in which the employees were presented jackets for their efforts, yet management continuing to cut jobs at any expense. It is time GM Management took a good look and realizes how top heavy they are and had more respect for the workers who are responsible for all their success. General Motor’s workers are historically very proud and community minded people. If the lack of respect being shown to our laid off workers is any indication of what is yet to come, we should all “Fear” for our jobs. John Adair | ||||||
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