More Than Meets The Eye
Like I suspected, at first glance, the article did not hit its mark in my opinion. Initially I would have preferred it if they would have printed the letter to the editor, that is until I thought about it further.
At times “what” is said is not as important as the fact that “something” has been said. There some points that favour the publication of this article, rather than a letter to the editor.
The major point that I wanted to convey was, that of GM's disrespect towards its employees. I didn't like all the personal stuff but that was out of my hands. Sometimes even bad advertising is good advertising.
1) Doug got to vocalize and have in print, some of the things he felt were important and once again show himself to be a good leader. Doug never misses a trick or an opportunity to represent all of us in a positive manner. Missing was one of his important points he mentioned to me about GM management not cooperating with local leaders, to try, as in the past, to stave off layoffs with various suggested measures. Never the less Doug’s assistance was quick and without reservation. As always we appreciate Doug’s support and the support of all our union representatives.
2) I think the most important aspect to come out of this article was Stew Low having to defend GM. Managements inability to manage effectively and appropriately. Stew is located in Oshawa and represents public relations for GM Canada. His office is in close proximity to Mr. Grimaldi’s. Do you think for one instant that he would respond to this interview without first touching base with Michael? Even if he didn’t there would be concern regarding the uncertainty about the content of the article and they would want to investigate it today. Do you think that Michael may be getting slightly annoyed at our consistent nipping at GM’s heels? We must be a pebble in someone’s shoe at this point.
Stew’s suggestion of a cyclical environment causing our layoffs doesn’t hold water. Most every GM plant in Canada is working balls out and some are even hiring. I don't need to remind any of you that St. Catharines is working its people as feverishly as it ever has. His suggestion, that only production is being effected by overtime, and not the trades, is ludicrous and a bold face lie. Could it be that our management is playing games that are purposely hidden from their managers in Oshawa? If he told what he felt was the truth then we will have placed a bug in his ear that may have repercussions here in our facility. GM’s pat answers don’t apply and they know it. The good thing is, GM had to once more, be confronted with our issue. There is no doubt that our managers are smart people but they just don't get it. If a car were representative of GM's economy then sales would be the fuel. The work force would be the oil. If you treat the oil badly your engine will eventually seize. Managers on every level are employees just like you and I. They are human beings with the same needs as us. Each of us wants to support our families have friends and feel good about ourselves. They seem to have taken the human element out of the equation when considering the bottom line. GM feels they don’t owe us a living. I'm here to tell you that after 19 years they owe us a minimum of at lease consideration and respect.
3) Another issue just might be our visit with Walt Lastewka. His resolve considering intervention in our behalf may be fortified because of this editorial. His resolve may also be lowered but I don't believe that will be the case. Even if he feels a kinship to GM because of his history with them he may advise them to reconsider our plight because we are not going away and because right is right. Walt represents us as well as GM. There are few of them and many of us, but our bank balances are not of equal value. I feel that Walt works from the standpoint that doing the right thing is what needs to be done. His past affiliations don’t make him tainted, it makes him more informed than most. He has shown us genuine concern for our situation. This publicity may help him to help us.
4) Next are the general public who may not be very sympathetic to our plight. More and more each day people are being treated badly from managers who have forgotten their roots. There was not enough said to relate this feeling and acquire support from people on the outside who have themselves suffered with low wages and continuous layoffs throughout their own working history. We are all in the same boat and the managers are in it with us they just don’t recognize it.
5) Most importantly are our friends on the inside. Their support has been unwavering. It was good to have them see that we are remaining strong and united. We are not laying down and taking our licks. We are standing up for what is right and we will continue to be relentless in our battle to make management recognize and be accountable to their workforce. We are not treated as equal team players by management. We are treated more like the protective equipment they ware, which was extremely important to win the game, but then the equipment is discarded when it is time to celebrate the victory.
So in conclusion, what seems to be an article softly touching on all parties concerns but un-energized with words of passion, may in many ways do more than it's original intentions. Time will tell.
Kindest Regards
