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Gerry Caplan

Union and NDP liaison not what it once was

By Gerry Caplan
| September 23, 2011

It was never a perfect marriage -- how many are? -- but times change and romance fades.

When the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation was transformed into the New Democratic Party in 1961, the labour movement was a full partner. Well, let me re-phrase that with much-needed precision: Most of the leaders of Canadian unions were onside, but neither then nor since have they been able to persuade anything like a majority of their members to support the NDP.

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It's auto showdown time.

As the April 30 deadline nears, we're entering the final week of negotiations between Chrysler and its union. GM is close behind with its June 1 drop-dead date. (Sorry the term is so applicable.)

As he sits at that negotiating table, CAW head Ken Lewenza faces a nightmare-scape filled with different ways to lose. What's a union leader to do?

Unfair as it may be, it's a dark road ahead, and sacrifices are going to be made. What are the offsetting gains that might come with them and sustain the best outcome for auto workers and Ontario taxpayers called upon to be generous in their support?

Tags:
economic crisis Bailout union Auto Industry pension plans labour rights autoworkers chrysler caw tony clement ken lewenza

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