The rhetoric surrounding the Caterpillar closure perhaps, to some would seem a bit outre, but the methodology of Caterpillar to most should seem insane. You, as Caterpillar purchased, a company with a viable operation in Canada, as well you got a mothballed plant in Indiana. A little behind the scenes politicking with the State of Indiana, and poof you are reopening the plant there. In opening negotiations with the union, at the Canadian operation, you propose absolutely insane concessions: concessions you know will be totally unacceptable, hoping for a strike. The union says they are willing to continue working under the old Collective Agreement. In a snit you turf your workers to the street in a lockout. In a magic moment Indiana becomes a "right to work" State. You announce closure, and leave everyone to believe it was caused by an intransigent union. Mr. Caterpillar, you bargained in bad faith, Mr. Caterpillar, you abandoned a loyal work force. Mr. Caterpillar, you proved to be a rotten corporate citizen.
What will be the net result of this mad dash to "right to work"? Higher profits to an already very profitable company! But, oh the cost! Four hundred and more out of work in London. I would suggest, that also a lapse in the quality of the product, will ensue. They will not have employee loyalty at the lower rates of pay. It will not be long before they move to an even cheaper venue to produce their product.
The whole scenario, leaves me with a queasy feeling, "lapse of quality" wow, lets load lots of freight on our trains. What is the quality like in the rest of their product line, given their "sweatshop" mentality.
