Chrysler Canada and the CAW

Chrysler and the CAW, the two biggest children I have ever known. Fight, fight, fight with neither side wanting to give in first, but knowing they both need to. Well it is good for the media, but not the workers or sales.

As everyone is aware the company and the union are currently trying to hash out a concession contract to help save Chrysler's future in Canada. Without an agreement there will be no bail out money and possibly the end of Chrysler in Canada.

Before the negotiations stated Chrysler Canada President Tom LaSorda opened his BIG MOUTH and started making threats that if the union did not give back $19 per hour then they might loose all production to another country. I wonder if Mr LaSorda thinks he will still have a job if this happens? But he can't seem to see past the end of his nose, so I doubt he sees the writing on the wall for his long career with Chrysler. Being a 20 year employee of Chrysler I was frankly surprised at his promotion. Well enough said on this one.

Now Ken Lewenza is another story. I remember Ken as a committee man at Windsor Assembly. I considered him at that time to be an excellent rep. But as the years went by he lost touch with the men and women on the line. I was outside of Plant 6 in Windsor in 2003 when Ken made the statement he would resign if they closed the plant. Well the plant closed, but Ken Lewenza is still around. How political.

Gentlemen it is time to stop pointing fingers and get down to business. Mr LaSorda you need to start thinking about the future of Chrysler Canada. I hope you don't believe that even with all your dedicated years of service to Chrysler you are more than JUST A MASTER NUMBER. They will eat you up and spit you out like they have everyone else. Quit being so naive!

Ken, welcome to the 21st Century. Things have changed and the days of Charlie Brooks are gone forever. Stop the ranting and raving and get down to business. If you don't the CAW might be looking for bailout money.

Finally, I read Lee Iaccoca's last book - "Were have all the Leaders Gone". Looking at Chrysler and the CAW I am wondering that myself...

Just my thoughts, what are yours?