Angry General Motors workers put up a defiant front yesterday as they blockaded the company’s corporate offices in Oshawa, a show of protest they hope will help reverse the embattled automaker’s decision to mothball a truck plant that employs 2,600 people.
More than 150 workers were at the blockade throughout the day, promising to stand their ground until GM either changes its mind about closing the plant next year or agrees to compensate the affected employees, said union spokesman Chris Buckley.
Buckley, president of the Canadian Auto Workers union Local 222, later said GM had agreed to meet Friday in Detroit with senior union leaders.
In Ottawa, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said the Oshawa plant needs a third vehicle line and suggested the federal government could use its $250-million Automotive Innovation Fund to help make that happen.
