Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Monday, February 06, 2012

Government should seize Caterpillar assets

OTTAWA – “The decision announced today that US Caterpillar Corporation will close its Electro-Motive plant in London instead of negotiating with the Canadian Autoworkers Union requires an immediate response from the Canadian and Ontario governments.” That statement from Dave Coles, President of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP).

 “This decision is a slap in the face to Canada which gave Electro-Motive tax breaks to protect jobs,” continues Coles.

 “It’s an act of corporate aggression against Canada and we should retaliate with an immediate tariff against Caterpillar products imported to Canada.  The Ontario and federal governments should take the same action in this situation as former Premier Danny Williams did at AbiitiBowater in Newfoundland – they should seize the Caterpillar assets in London and ensure that all community and worker obligations are fully met.

 “Why do we have governments, if not to protect Canadians against this kind of corporate agression?

 “There will be a strong labour response to Caterpillar's aggression against Canada.  CEP is prepared to throw its full support behind any actions that the CAW and central labour bodies take to achieve justice for these workers,” concludes Coles.

 CEP is the largest union in several key sectors of the Canadian economy, including forestry, energy, communications and media.

Original Article
Source: CEP 
Author: --  

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