Members, families, retirees and supporters gathered outside the Saint-Gobain plant in Plattsville, Ontario on August 20 for a solidarity barbecue backing the 42 Unifor Local 12 members on strike at the facility.
“No one on this picket line is standing alone,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Local 12 members deserve fair wages, a secure pension, respect on the job and Unifor will stand with you until we reach a fair agreement.”
Local 12 represents 42 members Plattsville plant who work the assembly lines and run the machines, mix adhesives, ship and receive, operate tow motors, clean the plant and staff the skilled trades.
Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier and Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi joined members on the picket line and spoke at the barbecue.
"Our members are stronger today than the day they went on strike," said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. "Look at this picket line. Families and retirees showing up for our members is what solidarity looks like."
The members have been on the picket line since July 24, 2026, and the walkout is now approaching 30 days.
“Our members knew what they were signing up for when they walked out, and almost a month later they are just as determined,” said Kim Davidson President of Unifor Local 12. “This is hard on workers and it is hard on their families. But they are not prepared to accept an agreement that leaves them further behind.”
Wages and pensions are the issues in dispute. Purchasing power eroded over the term of the last collective agreement, and members are seeking wage increases to close that gap.
Local 12 members are determined to stay out until they win an agreement that delivers the wages and the pension they have earned.
