Sault Auto Dealers Lock Out Machinists at Christmas!

Sault Ste. Marie, On – The Christmas GRINCH is alive and well and owns three auto dealerships in Sault Ste. Marie!
Superior Dodge Chrysler, Highland Ford and Prouse Motors have locked out 39 mechanics, paint shop workers, body men, parts department staff, apprentices, general helpers and clerical staff, members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2332, for refusing to sign a new collective agreement.
“These employers don’t want to negotiate, they want to dictate,” said IAMAW Directing Business Representative Rob Thompson. “Not only are they locking their workers out just before Christmas, but two of the dealerships have made improper contributions to their employee pension plans leaving a sizable shortfall for the pensions of 26 of the locked-out workers.”
The employers are refusing to sign a new pension trust agreement which halts any new
contributions to employee pension plans. They are also demanding apprenticeship wages be maintained at 2005 levels.
The IAMAW also represents mechanics, body men, general helpers, and parts personnel at two other dealerships in the steel city.