Steelworkers at Cambridge Brass on strike for fair treatment
2024年7月31日 - 5:00AM
Workers at Cambridge Brass are standing strong on the picket line
to win wage and pension improvements and the right to bid on shifts
once a year.
Over 100 members of United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 4045
started their strike against Cambridge Brass on July 19, in an
effort to win respect for seniority rights, improved pensions and
fair wages.
“The only way to get improvements is if we stick together. It’s
not just about the money; we want respect as well. These workers
deserve something in return for all the sacrifices made during
COVID, keeping this company going,” said Jim Clegg, USW Local 4045
President.
Many of the workers have spent their entire working lives at
Cambridge Brass, making fittings for outdoor waterworks. Some
workers have 20, 30 and over 40 years of seniority. One worker has
been there for 51 years.
The company runs on three shifts: days, afternoons and nights.
Workers used to be able to choose their shifts, with those with
more seniority choosing first. The company put an end to that and
has refused to allow workers an annual chance to bid for shifts
based on seniority.
“Since the pandemic hit in 2020, Steelworkers have been
bargaining for better,” said Myles Sullivan, USW District 6
Director. “While inflation may be slowing, the cost of living is
still very high. When a contract is up, that’s the time to make
improvements. Cambridge Brass needs to show respect for these
workers with a fair contract that reflects their contribution to
the company’s success.”
Workers are on the picket line 24 hours a day at 140 Orion
Place, Cambridge, Ont., N1T 1R9.
About the United Steelworkers union:
The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic
sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in
North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States
and the Caribbean.
Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because
of the union’s strong track record in creating healthier, safer and
more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working
conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits
and pensions.
For more information:
Myles Sullivan, USW District 6 Director, 416-243-8792Mary Lou
Scott, USW Area Co-ordinator, mscott@usw.ca, 519-276-0325Shannon
Devine, USW Communications, sdevine@usw.ca, 416-938-4402
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9dd69270-f737-475d-af0f-7d8ddef672b1