CAW President to Address Challenging Economic Climate at CAW Council

PORT ELGIN - CAW President Ken Lewenza will address the myriad of challenges facing workers during the current global economic downturn as hundreds of union delegates from across the country gather at the CAW Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario today, Friday April 17.

Lewenza's speech to CAW Council, the union's parliamentary body, is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:15 a.m. and will cover issues such as the current crisis facing Canada's auto industry, as well as an update on GM and Chrysler negotiations, the economic challenges facing Air Canada and its impact on workers, as well as other issues affecting CAW members from coast-to-coast.

Lewenza will also highlight current campaigns that the union has undertaken, including the fight to protect workers severance entitlements and pension benefits.

The CAW, along with other labour and retired workers groups, is organizing a massive demonstration to take place on the grounds of Queen's Park, in Toronto, Ontario on Thursday April 23 demanding stronger protection for worker pensions from the federal and provincial governments as well as corporations.

Delegates to CAW Council will debate a series of recommendations from Lewenza over the course of three days.