Workers at the Griffin Wheel foundry in Winnipeg, represented by Unifor Local 144, have approved a new four-year contract, bringing an end to a 19-day lockout. The agreement, which was ratified by 87% of the voting members on April 15, 2024, includes substantial wage and pension improvements, according to the union.
Unifor National President Lana Payne praised the efforts of the bargaining committee, stating, “Congratulations to the bargaining committee that pushed back and fought hard for our members to honour their needs in pensions, seniority rights, and work-life balance. We’re pleased to see the company is giving them the respect they deserve for their specialized and dedicated work.”
The ratified contract heralds the largest wage and pension gains at Amsted Rail’s Winnipeg Griffin Wheel plant to date, according to Unifor.
It stipulates wage increases of 4% in the first two years and 3% in the subsequent years. Moreover, the bargaining committee was successful in preserving the Defined Benefit pension plan, countering efforts to replace it with a Defined Contribution plan. Employer contributions to the pension plan will also rise each year under the new agreement, which additionally introduces a new Health Spending Account for members alongside increased investments in health and safety equipment.
Highlighting the significant improvements in working conditions, Unifor Local 144 President Liz Sousa said, “This plant has had forced overtime since the 1970s and because of our solidarity, the members are now able to have 13 long weekends off in a year.” Sousa also noted the introduction of double overtime pay on weekends as a critical step towards reducing worker burnout and promoting better work-life balance.
The 181 members of Local 144 are involved in the melting and processing operations at the plant, producing an average of 850 train wheels per day. The contract took effect on March 17, 2024, and will expire on March 18, 2028.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing over 315,000 workers across various sectors of the economy. The union is known for its advocacy on behalf of all working people and its efforts towards achieving equality and social justice both in Canada and internationally.