We asked: What, if anything, did the CAW blockade of GM’s Canadian headquarters accomplish?
Unfortunately, the blockade accomplished very little. This is not to say the CAW made any mistakes in setting the blockade. The mistake was in the surrounding community that did not and still doesn’t adequately support these workers. When the jobs are gone, the local economy will go with it and perhaps many unsuspecting “union bashers’” jobs will be lost as well.
-- Chuck Dee, Oshawa
I don’t think the blockade accomplished anything. It showed some very scared people afraid for their futures. It showed a union that bargained some deep concessions for their members too soon because they did know the writing was on the wall, and it showed a corporation who did, and will, try to accommodate their workers but has no control over a market that has gone sideways overnight.
-- Alberta Graham, Oshawa
The blockade accomplished quite a bit, actually. It held GM management’s legendary derision and contempt for their employees out for all to see. It also served to awaken the Canadian public from their typical lethargy and apathy. You know the one I mean: If it doesn’t affect me personally,screw ‘em! If Colin Carrie, Jim Flaherty and Bev Oda don’t soon get off their butts, the Conservatives can kiss these three ridings goodbye!
-- Robert Page, Clarington
The blockade accomplished what it started out to do, to bring attention to the public just how underhanded any corporation can be. All the angry letters are totally misplaced. They should be directed towards General Motors corporation and not towards the workers who keep the bigwigs’ pockets lined.
-- Cheryl Maynard, Clarington
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