When GM nearly went down, I had to listen to a lot of incorrect, badly-informed opinion on the reasons that this happened, much of it crucifying the workers and our unions. Much of it was spoken by individuals that had never exerted themselves physically, even in a squash game, through lips set in faces that had no muscle-tone, who were making a solid 6-figures, and had soft, manicured hands that had never been calloused.
They would bitterly complain about the worker's 'sense of entitlement' ... largely ignoring the fact that what spurred their anger was their investment portfolio losses...something that they felt deeply entitled to, despite their own lack of real contribution to the process, and lack of personal effort involved.
The work was tough, the hours were long, the environment was hazardous to health, and we made the product. Without our sweat, effort and injuries, there would be no industry.
We deserve good working conditions and a living wage for this sacrifice.
--------------
Photos of the GM Scarborough Van Plant - by Gayle Hurmuses
Exhibition and video screening
Wednesday, September 14 · 6:30pm - 11:00pm
Steam Whistle Brewery - The Roundhouse – 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
416-532-2702
http://www.hurmuses.com/designcontent/ExtendedFamily.htmlhttp://hurmuses.com/exhibsite/ExtendedFamilyAtSteamwhistle.pdf http://twitter.com/THEGMVANPLANT
