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Message from the PRESIDENT

opportunities are there for those who

are prepared to adapt

david campbell anada (and ntar o) s e er enc n a arguments that are well researched and logical.
LBMAO resident Cworrisome job shortage and the long-term Professor Lee has spoken at one of our National
forecast does not appear promising. At the time group meetings and I enjoy his down to earth and
of this writing, General Motors announced they logical approach to the challenges in our economy.
will be closing their Oshawa plant which means The other person interviewed by the radio
the loss of 2500 jobs. Although a tragic event for host was Gerry Diaz, President of UNIFOR - the
those workers who earn a good living working for union representing the auto workers at GM. It
GM, they at least are having the opportunity to quite simply was typical Union hyper boil with
look for new employment in a time that there is a co ents e e t to t e end to ee
demand for employees across all sectors. these jobs in Oshawa” and other nonsensical
While visiting retail members throughout comments. Guess what Gerry, GM has made the
the province over the past several months, store decision based on their business plan and the fact
owners in every case have expressed exasperation that the Oshawa plant is old and makes a product
n tr n to nd ood ard or n and ded cated that is not selling. We taxpayers have thrown
people. Truck drivers, sales people millions of dollars and given loans to GM to keep
The government and warehouse staff are in demand. t e a oat ut u te ran Ian ee s a roac
should not be With the announcement of the about government helping the workers adjust to
GM plant closing, the radio and TV the changing job market makes much more sense
subsidi ing talk and news shows have all focused than throwing more money at GM to keep them
companies on the challenges for the employees employed.
to nd ne o s. sten n to one Many of those workers at GM have been there
but should be of my favourite radio talk shows on for all their working career; and many are 2nd

providing a co ute o e ro t e o ce and 3rd generation employees. For them it is
a d cu t ad ust ent to tr nd n anot er
the host interviewed two people
support program regarding the impact of the closing. job. However, that is the nature of a changing
First Ian Lee, Professor of Economics economy and technology. Personally, I have never
for employees... and Business at Carleton University, worked in a union environment (and never want
This would be expressed his sympathy regarding to ). For ost o or n career I a e ad to
the impact on the employees but a e dec s ons to o e across countr to nd a
monies better also emphasized that the past job to support my family and lifestyle; always with
spent. government subsidies and loans the goal of improving my skills and income level.
given to these large corporations The days of working for a company from high
to keep them in Ontario has not guaranteed school or college graduation until retirement are
that they keep producing product in Ontario. over.
It is simply a waste of taxpayers’ money. The The home improvement industry is looking for
government should not be subsidizing companies good, dedicated, hard working employees. You
but should be providing: a support program for are not going to make $38.00 bucks an hour nor
e o ees tra n n on er I ene ts and ou et t e er s and ene ts o a un on ed
r d n nanc a su ort or e o ees o are factory job; but you will work in an industry that
at the end of their work cycle and near retirement. has longevity and offers opportunities for those
This would be monies better spent. Professor Lee who are prepared to adapt to a changing work and
is a well-respected commentator and is frequently technology environment.
interviewed on most major TV and radio shows.
He presents factual and well documented

8 LBMAO Reporter -November-December 2018 www.lbmao.on.ca