Share
WINDSOR – Titan Tool & Die workers, who have been locked out for two months, voted unanimously today to support their bargaining committee’s decision to reject a company contract offer that demanded deep concessions on wages, pensions, and retirement benefits.
“After locking these workers out on the street, the company thinks they’ve beaten them down to the point where they will accept concessions on every major front. Titan Tool & Die has seriously underestimated our members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
At a special Unifor Local 195 meeting, Titan Tool & Die members reviewed the details of the employer’s offer before voting unanimously to back their bargaining committee’s rejection.
“We believe the company’s demands are beyond unreasonable,” said Unifor Local 195 President Emile Nabbout. “Our members are fighting for their jobs every single day. They’re losing wages during this lockout, yet they came here today to stand strong and support their committee.”
The rejected company offer included:
- A three-year wage freeze
- New permanent lower wage grid for employees hired after ratification
- Elimination of COLA and annual lump-sum wage supplements
- Reduction of company pension contributions: From 7% to 5% for employees hired before October 2012. From 4% to 3% for employees hired after October 2012
- New pension qualifier: company contributes only if employees contribute — despite the wage freeze
- The combined effect of the company’s pension demands could result in a loss of nearly $13,500 in pension contributions over a three-year contract
- Elimination of retirement health care benefits for those retiring at age 55+ with at least 10 years of service
- Mandatory overtime
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
For media inquiries or to arrange interviews please contact Unifor Communications Director Kathleen O’Keefe at @email or by cell at (416) 896-3303.
