Unifor lauds
new national
auto strategy
oTTawa — Canada has a new auto czar.
Introduced on June 9 by the federal and
Ontario governments, Ray Tanguay — ex-
chairman of Toyota's Canadian operations
— was appointed to chair the committee
tasked with reviving the beleaguered auto
sector.
As part of his mandate, Tanguay will ad-
vise both government and business on how
to attract investment, create jobs and en-
sure a competitive edge in the global auto
market, according to the Ministry of Eco-
nomic Development, Employment and In-
frastructure.
"Ontario's auto sector is a cornerstone of
our economy — a key source of our ability
to export, innovate and create jobs," said
Brad Duguid, Ontario's economic develop-
ment minister. "In this highly competitive
global economy, we need to drive further
investment and ensure the sector remains
strong."
The move was lauded by organized la-
bour, which has long sought a definitive au-
tomotive strategy to address growing con-
cerns of lost opportunity and investment.
While the new committee is a step in the
right direction, there is much more to do,
said Jerry Dias, president of Unifor.
"We are encouraged that our provincial
and federal governments are finally taking
action on what experts in the auto indus-
try, including Unifor, have been saying for
years. Canada's auto sector will only thrive
with political leadership and co-ordinated
and strategic investment, but today's an-
nouncement can only be seen as the most
preliminary of baby steps," he said.
"There is an urgent need for the federal
and provincial governments to co-operate
to develop and implement a consistent and
successful national auto strategy."
Dias also said representatives from la-
bour and the auto-parts sector should have
seats on the committee.
Unifor esl teachers
ratify agreement
ToronTo — English as a second lan-
guage (ESL) teachers represented by Unifor
recently ratified a collective agreement with
Kaplan International.
The agreement was reached after near-
ly four weeks on strike. According to the
union, members voted for the new deal
with an "overwhelming majority" on June 4.
The affected employees, represented by
Unifor's Local 40 in Toronto, will see annual
wage increases as part of the new deal.
The collective agreement also includes
enhancements to vacation benefits and key
improvements to language on job security.
The issue of job security was of particular
importance to members, according to the
union.
"It takes time, effort and knowledge to be
a great teacher," said Unifor staff represen-
tative Josephine Petcher. "Our dedicated
ESL teachers care about their students, and
were unwavering in their commitment to
stand up for a fair contract that pro-
tects job security."
lAboUr brieFs
2
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