There was an unpleasant surprise waiting for a group of workers in Brantford Monday. As of midnight, they were locked out from their jobs at a local factory. With the auto industry in serious trouble, their company says it can't afford to give the union the contract it wants. Al Sweeney has the story.
"We just wanna get back to work"
Workers at this Brantford factory began their week with locked doors and fears of a long standoff.
"To work for the company after all these years and they do this to us. I don't think that's a good thing at all."
"We want some security and money isn't even an issue."
Eight-five workers were locked out at the Alumetco Division of Burlington Technologies, making parts for the auto industry.
They were negotiating for a first contract as members of the Canadian Auto Workers union, and say they'd take a wage freeze, but have to fight to stop the company from contracting out work.
"Lay us off, bring in temps to do our job and give us no security for people being here 15, 16 years of loyal service."
Rob Flaherty, Canadian Auto Workers
These workers are locked out from a company that supplies the North American auto industry at a time when the big North American auto makers are struggling to survive themselves.
General Motors and Ford are losing so much money their future is in doubt.
In that economic climate, Burlington Technologies says "The automotive industry is in an extremely precarious position." And it "cannot afford the Union wage and benefit cost increase, and restrictive language demands and still remain competitive."
Business professor Steve Howse says all companies have to be lean and efficient for what's ahead.
"As the economy swings down and everybody's gearing up for a recession the last thing you're looking for is an increase in your cost model."
Steve Howse, DeGroote School of Business
Both sides in this lockout say they hope to get back to negotiations soon.
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