---

Canadian Auto Workers occupy Halifax Volvo plant

22 October 1998

Canadian Auto Workers occupy Halifax Volvo plant

    TORONTO, Oct. 22 /CNW-PRN/ - As the Canadian Auto Workers union
occupation of the Volvo Halifax assembly plant goes into day two, CAW
president Buzz Hargrove called on both Jean Chretien, Prime Minister of Canada
and Russell MacLellan, the premier of Nova Scotia to intervene directly ``with
Volvo to get a postponement of their decision (to close the plant) until such
time that the parties along with the assistance of federal and provincial
representatives can look at every option available before a final decision is
made.''
    Approximately 30 workers commenced the occupation at 5:30 am, Wednesday,
October 21. The sole entrance to the plant has been blockaded by cars of other
workers who are outside the plant standing in support of their co-workers who
made the decision to occupy the plant. More than half the workforce is over
the age of 45, some having service dating back to the opening of the plant 35
years ago.
    The company last month shocked workers by calling them together early one
morning in the plant and announcing the closure. Not long after Volvo
announced a major investment in a Mexican operation. Then in October a high
level union delegate travelled to Volvo's Swedish headquarters to persuade the
company to look at alternatives without success.
    The CAW has asked Marcello Malentacchi, general secretary of the
International Metalworkers Federation, to use his office to assist in putting
pressure on the Volvo corporation. The CAW has also contacted the Swedish
metalworkers union - Svenska Metall - for any assistance they can offer.
    The CAW represents 162 Volvo workers in Halifax.