JOLIET - The World Socialist Web Site features a story about Joliet's ongoing Caterpillar strike after being visited by Governor Pat Quinn and Senator Dick Durbin. The strikers weren't impressed, and they're getting angrier and more frustrated as the strike continues ...
A woman with 18 years, who commutes 30 miles to the plant, said that Quinn's visit to the picket line was "a publicity stunt. He gave us $10,000, but that went to food. Sure, they are feeding us, but where are we supposed to eat it? People are losing their homes and apartments. CAT was probably laughing." She added: "As for politicians, I think they are all crooks."
Another worker with 20 years, said, "CAT management doesn't understand that workers make the profits. People can't exist in this area on less than $15 an hour. This crap of the CEO making 300 or 400 times more than the factory worker has to end."
Another 200 CAT jobs are reported to be about to be lost in Decatur and Peoria:
As we talked to Joe, a G&D truck came out of the Caterpillar facility. Jeff, a worker of 19 years, told us, "Those workers are about to lose their jobs too. CAT found someone cheaper."
G&D Integrated, based in Morton, Illinois, has lost its contract to Caterpillar and over 200 layoffs are expected in Peoria and Decatur. A logistics and trucking company, it specializes in the collection, warehousing and delivery of manufacturing products. Caterpillar has once again found ways to cut costs at the expense of wider layers of workers.
More at World Socialists Web Site.
