Some 800 workers here are on strike against Camco, which makes household appliances and is owned by General Electric. There is a Camco plant in Hamilton, Ontario, of 1,100 workers organized by the Canadian Auto Workers union.

At this point the company has withdrawn all concessions it originally demanded on pensions, medical benefits, and shifts and is offering parity with the contract signed by workers in Hamilton.

"But we’ve been out on strike for eight weeks now, said Néré Dutil, vice president of Local 501, and we’re asking for something more. We want to lower the penalty by 1 percent for those retiring at 60 and for those retiring at 61. This is the only thing left to negotiate."

This mood was echoed on the picket line. Noël Boyerault said, "We’re not going back with nothing. We’ve been on strike for two months. We want something to show for it."

This demand is supported by older and younger workers alike. Richard Desjardins, a young assembly line worker, explained, "In the beginning the company offered us nothing. Why--because we’re Quebecois? The company wanted to make an example of us, but we’re turning the tables on them." Desjardins was referring to the fact that average wages in Quebec, an oppressed nation within Canada, are lower than in Ontario.

Desjardins added, "It’s not a question of money, it’s a question of respect."

Strikers organized a family picnic May 27. They have a web site (http://scep501.multimania.com) to keep supporters of the strike informed of the latest developments.  
 
 
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