GM workers voice their anger over plant closing
LAURIE NICKLE
Age: 37
Job: Laid-off assembly line worker at truck plant
How long at GM? 4.5 years
Why are you at the blockade? Because GM wants to shut the truck plant after they agreed to give us a new model.
Are you angry, and if so, at whom? Yes. At GM and at the government because they’re taking away our paycheques and, up until now, the government hasn’t done anything to help us.
What’s next for you? I guess I’m going to have to start searching for a job soon. Either looking for a job or going back to school.
STEVE HIENSTRA
Age: 30
Job: Assembly line worker at GM Oshawa truck plant
How long at GM? Almost four years
Why are you at the blockade? I’m losing my job and I’m trying to fight for it and save it.
Are you angry, and if so, at whom? Yeah, I’m angry. Two weeks ago, we agreed to a contract and, two weeks later, they (GM) backed out on us.
What’s next for you? It all depends if they’re able to keep the truck plant. If not: retraining.
JIM BEDFORD
Age: 69
Job: Retired assembly line worker
How long at GM? 25 years before retirement
Why are you at the blockade? I have to support the guys I used to work with and I’m afraid they might try to take away my pension.
What’s next for you? All I can do is see what the union does and take it day by day.
KATHIE FOWLIE
Age: 55
Job: Assembly line worker at car plant
How long at GM? 25 years
Why are you at the blockade? I want to make a statement to our government because they need to step up to the plate and lower the taxes on gas so people can drive whatever vehicle they want.
What’s next for you? What’s next for me is to be here to support this union in any action and any struggle and try to find jobs for our people.
TED LAWRENCE
Age: 42
Job: Assembly line worker at car plant
How long at GM? 23 years
Why are you at the blockade? Because GM lied to us with the bargaining.
Are you angry, and if so, at whom? I’m angry for the community because GM let us down because they lied http://savingpaydayloans.com. We don’t teach our kids to lie, so how can we respect our employer if they lie to us.
What’s next for you? We just keep plugging on.
M. VANDEN HEUVEL
Age: 35
Job: Assembly line worker in car plant
How long at GM? Six years
Why are you at the blockade? I need my job. I’m a single person with a car and a mortgage and I need to keep my job.
Are you angry, and if so, at whom? I’m mad at the company and the government.
What’s next for you? The unemployment line.