Electro-Motive: Part of a Bigger Picture

There is a certain synergy that is created when events happen at the same time. For the past week or so, three events have been coming together in my mind and heart: 

First, London’s Electro-Motive strike in which Caterpillar Inc. (which benefitted from a federal government subsidy) offered workers a deal that would cut workers' wages and benefits in half, all done in the midst of fears the company plans to move production to a low-cost U.S. plant, and all done in the midst of record profits for Caterpillar Inc. It is another example of how the middle-class in Canada is being undermined.

Second, the report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives which revealed that the highest paid CEOs in Canada pocketed an average of $8.38 million in 2010 - a 27% increase over the average $6.6 million they took in 2009. This means that Canada’s 100 elite CEOs are now making 189 times the average Canadian wage. This matters, not because there are 100 crazy-rich people, but because it is part of a steady trend that points to an upward redistribution of wealth.

Third, there has been a request for public input into the Social Assistance Review Commission in Ontario. (Background Note: In tandem with the introduction of the “workfare/work-first” model in the mid-1990s, social assistance benefits were cut by 22%, which made it virtually impossible for those who accessed social assistance to pay the rent and put food on the table. Small increases since then have not even kept pace with the rate of inflation. At the same time, endless rules keep people constantly jumping through hoops rather than finding some solid ground on which to build their lives anew). It is clearly a system that is not only broken but also unjust and punitive in nature: Consider that the provincial government is planning a $4 billion tax cut for corporations while giving a 1% increase to people accessing social assistance - all done while the maximum rent increase for 2012 is 3.1%, grocery store prices have increased by 5%, and London’s unemployment rate skyrocketed to 11.2% and currently remains high at 9.6%. If there was ever a time for people to stand up for each other, this is it.

As I consider these events together, they point to four different facets of the growing gap between rich and poor: decline of the middle-class, unbridled profit-seeking of corporations and corporate elites, upward redistribution of wealth, and the social exclusion of people living in deep poverty. These four facets make it clear that the current social and economic trajectories are both unjust and unsustainable. Too many people are being excluded from the benefits of the economy and it is tearing at the fabric of society. 

It’s time for a new social deal. But we’ll only get it if we choose solidarity with each other. Let’s refuse to give in to the cynical attitude of “better them than me.” Let’s trust in the mystery of shared power - the power that emerges from cherishing our connectedness - and let’s join with each other to create the kind of change that benefits everyone. 

Sue Wilson, CSJ

Give your input into the Social Assistance Review:   http://www.londonpolicyresponse.com/

Comments

[Greeting Card Printing]

I've heard about this Electro-Motive strike few weeks ago. I wonder if this is not just happening in London.

- Bruce S.

[Drunk Driving]

Never knew that there are many corrupt officials also even in the riches countries in the world like London. That was a huge sum that they have pocketed. This must stop.

-Shane