CAW on Strike at Engine Supplier Wescast, Strathroy

STRATHROY/LONDON, ON, Oct. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - CAW members at Wescast Industries are on the picket line, out on strike since early this morning.

Negotiations began in July, and then in early October the company ordered a final offer vote, which the members rejected by 60 per cent.  The CAW has charged that Wescast did not intend to reach an agreement with the union.  Instead from the onset, the company tried to force an offer that failed to secure work or jobs.

In the last set of negotiations, Wescast also ordered a final offer vote, demonstrating what the union calls a serious lack of commitment to labour relations.

"The contract offer from Wescast seriously compromised our members' job security," said CAW National Representative Jim Woods. "In the last few days, we've learned that General Motors intends to move the current work performed at Wescast to a facility in China. There is absolutely no reason that our members should agree to a new contract that undercuts their own jobs."

The union is meeting with members tomorrow morning, to discuss a plan to escalate actions.

The facility is located at 28648 Centre Road, in Strathroy, northwest of London.  The union is operating a 24-hour picket line.

CAW Local 504 represents workers at Wescast in Strathroy.

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)

please contact CAW National Representative Jim Woods (cell) 519-574-8877