CAW Outraged by Navistar's Attempt to have Class Action Suit Dismissed

WINDSOR, ON, Nov. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - The CAW is expressing anger at the motion by heavy truck manufacturer Navistar to have the individual workers' class action law suit against the company dismissed. The case revolves around the failure of the corporation to pay severance to its workers after closing the Chatham, Ontario facility.

The motion will be heard tomorrow, Wednesday November 14 at 10 a.m. at the Superior Court of Justice, Courthouse, located at 245 Windsor Avenue, Windsor.

"This is another attempt by Navistar to deny our members the benefits that they earned over decades of work at the company," said CAW President Ken Lewenza. "Every step of the way, Navistar has tried to block handing over what is owed to its former workers - it is deplorable and should not be allowed to continue."

The company is arguing that the Court does not have the jurisdictional authority to hear the class action suit, whereas the plaintiffs, along with the union, believe that the case falls well within the Court's authority.

CAW members will be in attendance for the court proceedings.

The union is also working with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) to wind up the Navistar pension fund, so that workers will finally see what is owed to them.

The CAW represents more than 1,000 laid off workers at Navistar, in the production and office units.

Navistar shuttered the Chatham heavy truck plant in June 2009 and officially announced its closure in August 2011.

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)

please call CAW National Representative Jim Mitchell (cell) 905-441-4546, CAW Communications Director Shannon Devine (cell) 416-302-1699 or visit: www.caw.ca/navistar