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February 27, 2018
GODERICH—Unifor is calling on the Goderich mine’s owners, Compass Minerals, to “press pause” on a massive round of lay-offs in order to ensure that procedures are being followed properly.
“Being laid off is a major event in any family’s life,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We have serious concerns about the way Compass has acted, and we’re calling on the employer to respect the collective agreement and their obligations under the law.”
Unifor confirmed that approximately 48 workers at the mine were given lay-off notices at the gate when they got to work on February 21. But the union says that the employer is trying to mislead laid off workers into accepting the severance package, which cancels their right to be recalled if production increases.
“Laying off 10 per cent of the bargaining unit two weeks before bargaining is a very aggressive move,” said Glenn Sonier, Unifor National Representative responsible for Local 16-O. “Compass is acting like an employer itching for major job action.”
Local 16-O has given notice to bargaining for March 5 and 6 and has filed for conciliation.
For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at @email or 778-903-6549 (cell).
