CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT: Given by Barb Abrams.
I would like to send our thoughts and prayers out to the families of the victims in the LGBTQ community in Orlando, Florida. There was no need for this outrageous act.
I attended the “Auto Council” in London on June 1st with the bargaining committees of Ford, GM and Chrysler. This certainly was an eye opener. This was also the first time that retirees were invited to this meeting.
Presentations were given by Bill Murnigam on Market Conditions, Product Cycle and Investment Timelines, Public Positioning, Labour Costs and Pensions. There was no hard copies of these presentations, so I was trying to write as fast as possible. There was no way that I could grasp everything that was presented. I do know, that if we do not get new product in Canada, we are going to be in a lot of trouble.
Jerry Dias spoke about needing a strong Canadian investment in Canada. The Federal Government is talking Trade deals and this will put us in a deeper hole. TPP was discussed and how this is going to hurt us as well. This needs to be defeated. Product for Oshawa and Windsor is huge. Many challenges in the upcoming set of negotiations. We are not going to close plants. Will strike the plant if we have too. They have an aggressive agenda. The target will be picked after Labour Day. National will remain strong on their commitments. Retirees will not be forgotten. As far as getting our PCOLA back, I cannot say. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize if we do not have jobs, we will not have anything in Canada. It is scary.
The National has heard our message loud and clear. He assured us that they will do the best that they can do for the retirees.
Retirees did get up and speak at this meeting.
We also heard from our Toyota brother and members from auto parts and how this will affect them.
A Resolution was passed unanimously that they are committed to bring new product and investment to Canadian power train assembly operations, improvement in wages and provisions for new hires as key contract demands. Expand the footprint of the industry in Canada.
New investment in Canada would benefit the entire economy. My personal feeling, is we do not get new investment in Canada, we will not have to worry about COLA let along PCOLA. During negotiations they will be putting these “Just the Fact” sheets. This will keep the membership up to date as to what is happening and not listen to all the rumours that are circulating.
On October 19, 2016, we will be having an election for all positions of the Retired Workers Executive. The nomination box will open on September 21st and close on Friday, October 7th so we can have the ballots made up.
The Local put on the “Barbeque” for us today, so thanks to all of you who participated in this.
Enjoy your summer everyone!