Sidelined on UAW strikes, Biden administration talks economic aid
The Globe and Mail
23-09-19 13:05
The Biden administration is discussing ways to mitigate the economic fallout from the ongoing UAW strike at General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. The administration has held multiple calls with union leaders, lawmakers, company executives, suppliers, and economists to discuss aid for workers, suppliers, and the local state economy. However, the White House acknowledges that it has a limited role to play in the negotiations between the automakers and the union. The administration has also started an "inter-agency process" to study the economic implications of the strike.
Sidelined on UAW strikes, Biden White House talks economic aid
Reuters
23-09-19 13:04
The Biden administration is discussing ways to mitigate the economic fallout of the ongoing UAW strike, as officials acknowledge their limited role in the negotiations between the automakers and the union. The administration has held multiple calls with union leaders, lawmakers, company executives, suppliers, labor advisers, and economists to discuss aid for workers, suppliers, and the local state economy. The White House has started an "inter-agency process" to study the economic implications of the strike, with a focus on workers. However, no decision has been made yet on offering aid or lessening the economic impact.
‘There’s something wrong’: Greenbelt concerns raised as Doug Ford visits rural Ontario
The Toronto Star
23-09-19 18:50
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has faced backlash from farmers at the 104th Annual International Plowing Match over the $8.28bn Greenbelt land swap scandal. Farmers voiced their concerns about food security and the loss of prime farmland, criticizing Ford for giving away land for billions of dollars and helping his friends in the process. The Greenbelt controversy has led to integrity commissioner and auditor general reports, a potential police investigation, and the loss of a key cabinet minister. Ford has claimed that the Greenbelt lands are necessary to address a housing shortage in the province.
Doug Ford gets polite welcome at plowing match but Greenbelt anger simmers
The Toronto Star
23-09-19 18:41
Ontario Premier Doug Ford faced anger at a rural and farm expo over his plan to open protected Greenbelt land for housing development. The International Plowing Match, which celebrates agriculture and rural living, provided politicians with an opportunity to engage with rural communities. Ford received applause and cheers during the event, but there was an undercurrent of anger from attendees who held up signs urging him to keep his original promise not to touch the Greenbelt. Many expressed concerns that removing protections from the Greenbelt would benefit wealthy developers at the expense of agriculture and farmland.
Where things stand on Day 5 of auto strike: A new deadline, another strike delayed
CNN
23-09-19 17:56
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is threatening to expand its strike against General Motors (GM), Ford and Stellantis. UAW President Shawn Fain said the union will target other plants if there is no "substantial progress" in the offers from the automakers. The UAW is currently targeting final assembly plants. However, the union has the power to target the automakers' key engine and transmission plants, potentially idling all of the companies' North American production if it chooses to do so. The union has given a new deadline of noon on Friday for the automakers to reach a deal. The UAW strike began on 17 September and is the first strike against all of the traditional "Big Three" automakers simultaneously. The automakers have offered UAW members a 20% raise over the four-year life of the contract, including an immediate 10% raise. However, the UAW has said that the offer is not sufficient given the record profits the automakers are reporting and how much ground its members have lost due to past contract concessions and inflation.
Browns star Nick Chubb to undergo surgery on season-ending knee injury sustained against Steelers
Associated Press
23-09-19 17:42
Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb will undergo surgery on his left knee after suffering a season-ending injury in Monday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chubb injured the same knee he injured in 2015 at Georgia and had reconstructed. Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Chubb's season is over but did not provide specifics on the severity of the injury or when he will have surgery. Backup running back Jerome Ford will step in for Chubb, and the Browns are exploring adding another running back to the roster.
Doug Ford gets polite welcome at plowing match amid undercurrent of Greenbelt anger
The Toronto Star
23-09-19 17:14
Ontario Premier Doug Ford faced some criticism at a farm and rural expo for his plan to open protected Greenbelt land for housing development. While Ford received some cheers and applause during the event, some attendees expressed their disapproval of his decision. The Greenbelt land, which is considered to be high-quality farmland, is being opened up for development, leading to concerns that the decision was made to benefit developers rather than protect agricultural land. The auditor general found that the majority of the land being opened for development was owned by property owners who stood to benefit financially from the decision.
Doug Ford makes appearance at plowing match amid Greenbelt controversy
The Globe and Mail
23-09-19 23:11
The Ontario government's decision to greenlight housing development on farmland in the Greenbelt has caused concern among farmers. The move, which would open up 3,000 hectares of land and generate CAD8.3bn ($6.3bn) for developers, has been criticised by the province’s Auditor-General and Integrity Commissioner. The government claims that it is necessary to address the housing crisis, but even its own housing affordability taskforce says it is not required. The province’s Greenbelt contains 83% of the area's highest quality farmland.
Browns star Nick Chubb to undergo surgery on season-ending knee injury; Kareem Hunt in for visit
The Toronto Star
23-09-19 23:04
Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb will require surgery after suffering a season-ending left knee injury during Monday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler, previously injured the same knee in 2015 and had it reconstructed. Coach Kevin Stefanski did not provide details on the severity of the injury or when Chubb will have the operation, but it is likely that he will seek several medical opinions before moving forward. As the Browns try to regroup, they brought in former Brown Kareem Hunt for a visit and workout.
Indonesian indigenous islanders are rallying against plans to build a Chinese funded factory on their homes
CNN
23-09-19 22:51
Indigenous islanders in Indonesia have clashed with authorities in a protest against plans to construct a Chinese glass factory in the Riau Islands Archipelago. The protesters are opposed to the destruction of their local villages. The Riau Islands have been earmarked for development, and the factory plans were announced by the Chinese President earlier this year. There have been previous disputes in Indonesia over land ownership and forced evictions. The Indonesian government has promised to improve re-location packages for those affected, stating that if the project does not go ahead, local government revenues and job creation will be lost. The Chinese company set to build the factory, Xinyi Glass, has not commented on the protests. The island of Rempang, where the factory is due to be built, is home to 7,500 residents and is known for its quartz sand, a material needed for glass production. Xinyi Glass is one of the world’s largest glass and solar panel manufacturers.
Toronto used to be wilder — and has kept some dumb old habits, as new book reminds us
The Toronto Star
23-09-19 22:08
A new book, "Toronto Mayors: A History of the City's Leaders" by Mark Maloney, looks at the 65 mayors of Toronto, some of whom had criminal records, were corrupt or owned slaves. The book also highlights the city's failure to invest in infrastructure as the population grew. The first Mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie, led an armed rebellion against the colonial rulers of Upper Canada in his quest for greater power for the city. Other mayors killed opponents, physically beat up colleagues, whipped up violent riots and introduced draconian laws. The nickname "Toronto the Good" came from a mayor in the 1880s who campaigned against drinking and outward displays of joy. The book's launch was attended by the current Mayor, Olivia Chow.
Biden faces pressure to UAW picket line as Trump heads to Detroit
The Independent
23-09-19 21:59
US President Joe Biden has urged Detroit's "Big Three" automakers to negotiate with union leaders after American auto workers walked off the job to launch a strike. Biden said that auto companies in the country had seen record profits but that these had not been shared fairly with workers. He also announced that he would send adviser Gene Sperling and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su to Michigan. However, the administration has paused those plans amid calls for more support from the White House and Biden himself. Former President Donald Trump is also making his own plans to meet striking workers at a rally in Detroit next week during the second debate among Republican presidential candidates.
Ford has reached a tentative deal with Canadian union Unifor to avoid a strike at its plants in Canada. The agreement, which is subject to ratification by Unifor members, comes after the union threatened to strike if a deal was not reached by the deadline. Unifor had been seeking improved wages and pensions, as well as support in transitioning to electric vehicles and additional investment commitments from Ford. The union will now focus on securing deals with General Motors and Stellantis. Meanwhile, the United Auto Workers union in the US is considering escalating its coordinated strikes against the Detroit Three automakers if progress is not made in talks.
Unifor and Ford reach tentative deal, averting strike
CBC
23-09-20 01:28
Unifor, the union representing autoworkers in Canada, has reached a tentative contract deal with Ford, avoiding a strike that would have affected around 5,600 workers. The details of the deal have not been disclosed, as members have yet to vote on it. However, Unifor Ford Master Bargaining Chair John D'Agnolo stated that the deal provides the financial security that members need. The agreement with Ford will serve as a template for negotiations with General Motors and Stellantis, as part of pattern bargaining. Unifor is seeking wage increases of 36% over four years.
Unifor reaches tentative deal with Ford, strike averted
The Toronto Star
23-09-20 01:27
Canadian union Unifor has reached a tentative deal with Ford Motor Co. that could prevent workers from going on strike. The proposed contract will be brought to union members for a vote. Negotiations with Ford are expected to set expectations for future contracts with General Motors and Stellantis. U.S. autoworkers are currently striking for higher wages, with Unifor also seeking significant increases along with improvements in pensions, job security, and the transition to electric vehicles.
CP NewsAlert: Unifor reaches tentative deal with Ford, strike averted
The Toronto Star
23-09-20 01:27
Canadian union Unifor has reached a tentative deal with Ford Motor Company, potentially avoiding a strike by workers. The proposed contract will be brought to union members for a vote. The negotiations with Ford will set expectations for contracts with General Motors and Stellantis. Meanwhile, U.S. autoworkers are currently on strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, pushing for wage gains of up to 40%. Unifor has not specified a wage increase but has emphasized higher wages, pensions, job security, and the transition to electric vehicles as key priorities.
Ford, Unifor reach deal averting strike by auto workers
The Globe and Mail
23-09-20 01:25
Ford Motor Co. of Canada and the Unifor union have reached a last-minute deal, avoiding a strike and setting the template for automotive labour in the electric age. The three-year contract covers 5,680 workers and addresses the issues raised by union members. The agreement is subject to a ratification vote by Ford workers. The talks were crucial for both sides as the industry transitions to electric-vehicle production, with automakers looking to manage labour expenses and unions seeking long-term job security.
England eyeing three fly-halves together – but it risks being overkill
Telegraph
23-09-21 12:01
England rugby team coach Steve Borthwick has experimented with a three-fly-half combination during their match against Chile. The combination saw Marcus Smith, Owen Farrell, and George Ford all on the pitch, with Ford appearing off the bench and pushing Farrell to inside centre. While a three-fly-half combination is not common, it has been tried before by teams such as Australia and Saracens. However, England's situation is unique as Ford is an out-and-out fly-half and Smith is a rookie full-back. The combination of Smith and Farrell has produced some slick attacking play, and adding Ford to the mix could provide even more cohesion and width. However, there are concerns that the backline may become unbalanced and lack a hard-carrying focal point. Ultimately, the success of the three-fly-half combination will depend on how well the players work together and adapt to their roles on the field.
US autoworkers to expand strikes amid contract stalemate
Guardian
23-09-21 11:00
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union in the US is set to escalate strike actions against car plants as it struggles to reach a deal with General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford. UAW president Shawn Fain announced that the union would launch a series of "stand up" strikes at individual car plants after failing to reach an agreement over a new union contract with the car companies. If no progress is made by noon on 22 September, more local unions will join the strike. The UAW represents nearly 150,000 autoworkers at the manufacturers but has chosen to select local unions to strike rather than staging a mass walkout.
Detroit Three under pressure to progress UAW talks, avoid wider auto strikes
Reuters
23-09-21 10:11
The United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Detroit Three automakers have one final day to make progress on a new contract before the UAW announces an expansion of its strikes. The strikes at General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis have raised concerns about prolonged industrial action that could disrupt production and impact the supply chain. Stellantis has now joined GM and Ford in furloughing some employees at other factories due to parts shortages and other issues caused by the strikes. UAW President Shawn Fain has threatened to expand the strikes if there is no serious progress in talks. UAW workers are expected to rally in support of striking workers at Ford's Louisville assembly plant in Kentucky. Analysts believe that if the strikes continue, the next targets could be plants that build high-margin pickup trucks. The UAW is demanding a 40% pay hike and an end to the tiered wage structure. The strikes are likely to last several weeks and could impact third-quarter US GDP by 0.39% and global automotive supply chains. Rival automaker Toyota, which does not have unions at its US factories, is set to benefit from the ongoing strikes. Tesla investors believe that a hike in wages and benefits at Detroit competitors would widen Tesla's labor cost structure advantages.
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