40,000 Canadian Unionists Out Against Globalization

May 28, 2007 (LPAC)--Large numbers of Canadian union members, led by the Canadian Autoworkers (CAW), are heading for the capitol in Ottawa May 30 for a mass rally and lobbying of Parliament against the loss of industrial jobs to globalization and free trade. The union forces warmed up for Ottawa with demonstrations May 28 in Windsor--across the bridge from Detroit--and Oshawa, which drew well over 40,000.

The Windsor rally of approximately 40,000 was the largest in that city in many years--a Days of Action protest there drew 20-30,000 in 1997--and in addition, thousands rallied in Oshawa and marched to the office of an MP, Colin Carries.

The rallies included teachers, other public employees, and union councils as well as autoworkers. They were mobilized against free trade, and for protection against Asian auto imports, but have not yet gone further in demanding a pro-industry, science, and infrastructure policy of economic growth from the government. CAW president Buzz Hargrove understated the industrial collapse crisis when he told the rally that 20 million autos would be sold in North America this year, and more of them had to be made here. North American auto sales are really headed for about 18 million in 2007, and are falling in the midst of economic crisis.

The missing element, economic recovery policy a la Lyndon LaRouche, will be presented in Ottawa May 30 by the LaRouche Youth Movement, who will be at the capital for a week of action and lobbying, when the unionists hold their scheduled capital rally.