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Geneva, 22 September 2026
Solidarity message from IndustriALL Global Union to Unifor Local 12
Dear Sisters and Brothers of Unifor Local 12,
On behalf of IndustriALL Global Union and our affiliated trade unions around the world, I send you our full solidarity and support in your struggle at Saint-Gobain in Plattsville.
For more than eight weeks, the 42 members of Unifor Local 12 have stood together on strike, backed by an overwhelming 97 per cent strike vote. You have shown remarkable determination in defence of fair wages, secure pensions and respect for your collective bargaining rights. Your determination and unity are an example to workers far beyond Plattsville. We are particularly concerned by Saint-Gobain’s decision to use replacement workers during this dispute. Such actions weaken the effectiveness of the strike, prolong the dispute and undermine the collective bargaining process rather than helping the parties reach a fair and sustainable agreement.
On 21 May 2026, the International Court of Justice confirmed that the right to strike of workers and their organizations is protected under ILO Convention No. 87. This reinforces a simple principle: strike action must remain an effective means for workers to defend their interests and must not be undermined through the use of replacement workers. You are not alone in this struggle. IndustriALL will now reach out through the Saint-Gobain Trade Union Network, inform unions representing Saint-Gobain workers around the world and invite them to send their messages of solidarity directly to Unifor Local 12. We will make sure that your struggle is heard internationally.
We call on Saint-Gobain to end the use of replacement workers, return to the bargaining table in good faith and work urgently with Unifor towards a fair and sustainable settlement that addresses your wage and pension priorities. We sincerely hope that a swift solution can be found through genuine collective bargaining.
To every member of Local 12 and your families: stay strong and stay united. The international trade union movement stands with you.
In solidarity,
Atle Høie
General secretary
