Description: Caterpillar Inc. has announced it will close its London, Ont. Electro-Motive locomotive plant, where workers have been locked out since the beginning of the year.

Source: The Montreal Gazette

Date: 02/03/2011

Link: http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/Caterpillar+Electro+Motive+plant+London+close/6099000/story.html

Related links:

• Toronto Star column
• Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak on the closure
• Globe and Mail column
• National Post column
• Earlier updates
• Canadian Auto Workers
• Caterpillar Inc.

Questions for discussion:

• Why does Caterpillar say it must close the plant?
• What has been the union’s reaction?
• What do you think about this situation?
• Review the Related Links above. What is the connection between this closure and recent events in Indiana?
• Which of the columns listed under Related Links above do you think makes the strongest arguments? Why?
• What effect do you think this will have on other contract negotiations?