Nicholls hopeful for upcoming Navistar-CAW pension proposal

The ongoing dispute between Navistar and CAW Locals 127 and 35 is an unfortunate one. Since taking office, MPP Rick Nicholls has been in constant contact with officials from both parties in an effort to facilitate a fair and speedy solution.

Recently, Nicholls received an update from Barry Morris (head negotiator at Navistar). MPP Nicholls was notified that the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) is set to deliver their ruling on the ongoing issue of pensions.

FSCO Deputy Superintendent Dave Gordon is expected to release a proposed order on the pension benefits issue by March 6^th. Mr. Morris stated that after the proposed order is received, “then I would think that the ball starts rolling, whichever way that goes, the ball would start rolling to the next steps.”

Both the CAW and Navistar have the right to appeal the decision to the Financial Services Tribunal. Nicholls hopes that the proposed order from the FSCO can satisfy both sides and allow the process to move forward.

“This is a dispute that currently doesn’t have any winners,” says Nicholls. “What I want most is to see an equitable agreement met so former employees and their families can move forward on this.”

In an update regarding the facility itself, Mr. Morris noted that Navistar has taken several steps to alleviate known environmental issues which include the disassembly of the tank farm and other areas stating that most of the equipment has been removed. Mr. Norris also provided an update on the potential sale of the property. “All I can tell you at this point is that it is for sale and that we’ve had a couple of offers,” said Morris.

MPP Nicholls will remain in contact with both Navistar and the CAW as the conduit between his constituents and the province.

“My job is to represent the concerns of my constituents,” says Nicholls. “I’m monitoring the ongoing situation closely and all sides know I’m here to help.”