TORONTO, April 26,
2024 /CNW/ - Unifor welcomes 800 new auto sector
members at F & P, a Tier 1 Automotive Parts Manufacturer
located in Tottenham, Ontario.
"These workers fought for their right to unionize and persevered
in the face of stiff resistance from their employer in their
workplace and at the Ontario Labour Relations Board,"
said Unifor National President Lana
Payne. "Auto workers understand that there are both benefits
and challenges in the shift to EV and know that Unifor has been
proactive in fighting for jobs and seeking protections for workers
during this transformation."
After past attempts, the most recent campaign to organize
at F & P began in December
2023. Workers voted on unionization between
March 20-23, 2024 and ballots were
counted on April 25, 2024, with
certification to follow.
Key issues included a high level of contract agency workers that
the company would employ for extended period of time without
hiring, creating a precarious work environment at the metal
stamping facility which supplies Honda Motor in Alliston, Ontario.
The employees at F & P are the latest Independent Parts
Supplier (IPS) workers to join Unifor, which has seen a surge in
unionization in the sector. Other recent auto organizing victories
include certification at TRQSS Inc., a seatbelt manufacturer
in Windsor, Ontario and Sodecia
Automotive, a hot stamping facilities in London, Ontario.
Following the vote result the union's newest members expressed
relief and optimism for the future.
"Wow, simply wow! After a 6-year battle to unionize, we finally
did it. I suddenly feel like there's some hope for us now!
Congratulations everyone, we deserve this," said Dave Crawford.
"I can't believe we are finally joining Unifor and will now
have a voice in our workplace. The time for change is here," added
Greg Hewitt.
"It's been a long trying road to join Unifor, and it will
be nice to be valued for my work ethic not because I'm friends with
a manager/ supervisor," stated Terri
Wells.
"I've been with F&P for 35 yrs., I pride myself on my
work. With Unifor, I believe we can archive self worth, spirit,
health wellness and a little more money at the end of the
week" concluded Jean Horner.
Following certification, the newly formed unit will prepare to
negotiate their first collective agreement.
Unifor is Canada's largest
union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every
major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working
people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in
Canada and abroad, and strives to
create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor