CAW Holds London Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, May 1

LONDON, ON, April 30, 2012 /CNW/ - The auto industry remains a vital part of the London and region economy, a new analysis by the CAW shows.

In 2011, the industry produced vehicles and parts worth $11 billion in the region, which is $30 million per day.

"The auto industry remains a major source of good jobs in London and the surrounding economy," said CAW London Area Director Fergo Berto. "Despite some lean economic times this CAW campaign provides a path forward for the industry and explains how it can be built and strengthened for the benefit of all in the community."

On Tuesday, May 1 the CAW will host a community forum on auto jobs and the community. This the final town hall meeting of eight city forums held in communities across southern Ontario as part of the CAW campaign.

London Community Town Hall
Tuesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m.
CAW Local 27
606 First Street
London, Ontario.

Speakers will include:

• CAW National President Ken Lewenza;
• CAW Research Director Bill Murnighan;
• Glen Pearson, Co-Director London Food Bank;
• Megan Walker, Executive Director, London Abused Women's Centre;
• Sharon Lupton, Labour Programs and Services Coordinator at United Way of London and Middlesex.

Here is some more key information about the auto industry in London and region:

• auto workers' paycheques pumped $678 million into the regional economy last year;
• the auto industry directly employs 11,000 people in the greater London region. Thousands more jobs are created to supply steel, plastic and other manufacturing and services needed by the industry;
• the major original equipment manufacturing jobs in the region stimulate an estimated 73,000 additional jobs throughout the economy;
• auto workers supported $46 million in municipal taxes in 2011, helping to pay for local services.

For more information on the campaign or to read the entire analysis, please visit: www.rethinktheeconomy.ca (click resources for fact sheets).

CAW London Area Director Fergo Berto at 519-670-4635 or CAW Communications, John McClyment at 416-315-3202.