Workers in British
Columbia have seen their pulp, paper, and lumber mills
closing at an alarming rate, leaving thousands jobless and facing an uncertain
future. Whole communities have been devastated as large forestry companies such
as Interfor and Canfor pull out operations and ship jobs overseas where labour
is cheaper.
Two weeks after a new contract in which GM bosses promised no more
layoffs and no more plant closures until 2011, in exchange for a wage freeze
and other concessions, they have now announced closure! The profit motive is
stronger than any rotten deal the union tops can broker with the bosses and
they are prepared to break the law to do so. Workers will be drawing some
bitter lessons from this experience.
Yesterday, the Canadian
Auto Workers local 222 held a solidarity rally outside the gates of the Oshawa
GM truck plant. There was a real sense of anger amongst the workers present,
most of whom were from union families, but this was not the normal crowd that
attends demonstrations. These are people who either directly or indirectly will
be hit hard by the lay offs.