CAW Rallies to Demand Action on Siemens Plant Closure

HAMILTON, ON, June 28 /CNW/ - Tomorrow the CAW will be holding a mass demonstration outside the Siemens Canada head office on June 29, from 6 a.m. onward, calling on Siemens to reverse its decision to close its gas turbine facility in Hamilton or find alternate work for the facility. Failing this, the company must sit down with the union to finalize an equitable settlement.

Busloads of workers will descend on the company headquarters in addition to numerous supporters.

Siemens announced the closure of the facility on March 11, set for July 2011.

CAW Local 504 President Randy Smith said that he hoped that the rally at the Canadian headquarters will get the company's attention enough to bring them back to the bargaining table. "We're getting increasingly frustrated at this company's callous attitude towards its workforce, so this could be the first of many similar events if things don't change." Siemens workers are represented by CAW Local 504.

CAW President Ken Lewenza reiterated that the company should find alternate work to put in the facility in order to keep it open. "Siemens is a world-wide producer that has benefitted from government support and procurement contracts, including here in Canada," said Lewenza. "Siemens should not forget that it owes its success to its productive workforce, including our members at the Hamilton facility."

Failing the possibility of finding alternate work to keep the plant running, Lewenza said the union is demanding a fair settlement agreement, that to date Siemens has been unwilling to consider.

    
    Mass demonstration:

    TOMORROW - Tuesday, June 29, starting at 6 a.m. onward.
    Siemens Canada Office
    1550 Appleby Line
    Burlington, ON
    

For further information: CAW Local 504, President, Randy Smith, (cell) 905-973-3231 or CAW National Representative, Tom Rooke, (cell) 519-654-0558 or CAW Communications, Shannon Devine, (cell) 416-302-1699