January 25, 2012

Caterpillar workers to protest at London, Ontario Conservative fundraiser: Report

Workers who are locked out of a London, Ontario locomotive plant by a subsidiary of construction equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) plan to protest at a fundraiser dinner today for a local Conservative Member of Parliament, according to a published report.

According to the website of London radio station AM980, members of the Canadian Auto Workers Local 27, who are locked out by Electro-Motive Canada, plan to demonstrate at Spencer Hall at the event for Susan Truppe, who represents the riding of London North Centre in the House of Commons.

Progress Rail Services, which owns Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) Inc., is a subsidiary of Caterpillar, whose wares include trucks, pavers, excavators, loaders, dozers and other heavy equipment.

Electro-Motive makes locomotives at its London plant, located on Oxford Street east of Clarke Road in Truppe's riding.

The CAW has asked Prime Minister Stephen Harper to get Industry Canada to review the acquisition of EMD over concerns EMD would close the plant and make locomotives in the U.S. instead.

In a Dec. 21 letter, CAW president Ken Lewenza wrote:" Will you instruct your (Industry) Minister to issue a demand to Caterpillar requiring them to declare their intentions for the London operations? Will your Minister negotiate investment and employment undertakings with Caterpillar to safeguard the future of these operations?”

DCN DIGITAL MEDIA

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