Electro-Motive Locks Out CAW Members in London

LONDON, ON, Jan. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Electro-Motive (Caterpillar) has locked out CAW members as of this evening. Workers had planned to report to their regular shift as of tonight at 11p.m. the first shift back following the holiday shutdown.

"This is a case where our members have been locked out by corporate greed," said CAW National President Ken Lewenza. "This is a serious attack on working people, their families and the greater community of London and the surrounding area. Caterpillar may be one of the richest corporations to ask for the deepest of cuts."

No new dates are set to resume negotiations. Talks broke off on December 27, after Caterpillar tabled a final offer that would slash wages in half, eliminate the pension plan and drastically cut benefits.

The collective agreement extension between CAW Local 27 and Caterpillar expired last night, December 31 at 11:59.

The union has set up picket lines as of 6 p.m. today. The facility is located at 2021 Oxford Street East, London, Ontario.

The CAW is once again calling on the federal government to disclose the terms and commitments made during the 2010 purchase of Electro-Motive by Caterpillar, under the Investment Canada Act.

please contact Assistant to CAW National President Bob Orr 416-471-2664, CAW Local 27 President Tim Carrie 519-318-1022 or CAW Communications Director Shannon Devine 416-302-1699