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Members at KB Components Canada have voted to ratify a new three-year agreement following tense negotiations that culminated in a standoff to prevent the removal of equipment from the plant when the strike deadline approached.
“I commend all of our members for their swift action, that prevented anything being removed from this plant, that would have weakened the union’s bargaining power and diluted any potential strike action,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Unifor Local 195 members voted 98.6% in favour of strike action prior to the May 15 deadline. TG Minto, a customer of KB Components, attempted to remove toolage and dies out of the Windsor facility. Unifor immediately notified KB Components that the union would not accept any attempts by the company or third parties to undermine negotiations. Unifor National and Local 195 leadership quickly mobilized to block the relocation of any equipment. Support grew by the hour with members from Local 444, 200 and 2458 quickly joining the solidarity action.
Trucks intended to remove toolage and dies were successfully blocked and eventually dispersed until a tentative agreement was successfully negotiated on May 15.
“This action demonstrated the strength of our union. Our members made it clear that stunts like these never work and the only way to reach a deal with us is at the bargaining table,” said Local 195 President Emile Nabbout. “I would like to thank all of our members and the Windsor area locals for their support. This action was what allowed the bargaining committee to continue its work and secure a new collective agreement.”
The new collective agreement covers more than 350 members at KB Components. The newly ratified contract provides numerous improvements to benefits coverage, significant wage increases for all classifications, including a $5 per hour increase for production workers and $7 per hour for Skilled Trades.
The top rate for Skilled Trades will reach $43.64 per hour over the life of the agreement. The wage grid was also shortened to 12 months and Local 195 members will receive an additional holiday day. The agreement also provides a signing bonus, a new $500 benefit personal spending account, improvements to the vision and boot allowances, among numerous other improvements.
KB Components manufactures polymer components to supply Honda and other auto facilities.
The collective agreement will expire on May 15, 2027.
