Stores pull CAT boots to support Electro-Motive workers

Mark’s Work Wearhouse has pulled Caterpillar-brand boots off the shelves of its London, Ont.,-area stores in support of hundreds of local Electro-Motive workers who are losing their jobs.

The Caterpillar-owned Electro-Motive has decided to close down its London plant, just weeks after locking out its workers on Jan. 1.

Costs were the main factor in the dispute, with Caterpillar pushing certain employees to take a pay cut of 50 per cent.

The plant closure, which was announced Friday, will leave 450 people out of work.

Mark’s Work Wearhouse actually announced plans to pull the Caterpillar boots from its shelves before news of the closure was announced.

Graham Morley, the retailer’s district manager in the Greater London Area, told CBC News that many Mark’s Work Wearhouse customers worked at the plant that is now being shut down.

Morley said it was a local decision to drop the Caterpillar products.

He said it is not clear how long the boots will be held from sale, though it will likely be only a temporary move.