WINGHAM,
ON, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Unifor members will
stage a protest at the Wescast plant in Wingham, Ontario tomorrow at 11 a.m. against the company's China-based owners for withholding an
estimated $10 million from
workers.
"Our protest is about sending a message to Wescast's overseas
owners that ignoring your legal, financial and moral obligations to
workers is not how you do business in Ontario," said Unifor Ontario Regional
Director Samia Hashi. "This foundry has been around for more than
century and is a pillar of the community of Wingham. Workers deserve to be treated better
than having to fight for what's owed to them."
On April 17, 2024 Unifor sent a
letter to the Ontario Director of
Employment Standards seeking intervention in the matter. A copy of
the letter was sent to Ontario
Minister of Labour David
Piccini.
What: Unifor protest against Wescast plant owners
withholding approximately $10 million
in termination and severance payments to workers.
Who: Unifor Local 4207 members and Unifor Ontario
Regional Director Samia Hashi.
When: Thursday, April 25, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time
Where: Protest location is at the Wescast plant at
100 Water Street, Wingham,
Ontario.
Approximately 200 Unifor Local 4207 members worked at the
foundry when the company ceased operations in July 2023. The foundry had been in operation
since 1902. Before ceasing operation, the plant supplied cast
components for the auto industry. Wescast was acquired by Bohong
Industries Group in 2013. The company has refused to pay millions
of dollars in termination and severance payments owed to
workers.
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