"Why should these particular workers get special treatment? Shouldn't they get the same assistance that all the other workers get, that being EI, welfare when that runs out (if they qualify), and OAS/CPP if you're of a retirement age?"
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Because yours is the 1930s Deopression attitude guaranteed to bring it all down. You're only 80 years behind the times in your economic thought.
You should not take my comments as advocating fiscal austerity. I see no reason why the stimulus should not be conducted through EI policies that support all workers as opposed to an approach that would privilege some workers.
And more importantly, I think that the autoworkers are likely relatively more financially secure than many poorer workers and non-workers in our society. I would prefer to see policies that support this latter group.
If there is an economic (or other) argument why these particular workers should be treated more favourably then enlighten me please.