Workers at Toromont Industries in Bradford, Ont. went on strike this morning after the company failed to reach an agreement on wages and benefits during negotiations for their first collective agreement.
The 120 workers, who voted to join Unifor in late May, walked off the job at the company’s remanufacturing facility in Bradford West Gwillimbury. The facility remanufactures Caterpillar heavy equipment and opened in 2022 following a $70 million investment by the company.
Union calls for fair foundational agreement
“A first collective agreement sets the key foundational work standards for a workplace,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We stand with our members as they fight for a fair collective agreement.”
The workers hold positions ranging from component cleaner to component re-builder, with most classified as skilled trades or semi-skilled roles. The 137,000 square foot facility represents a significant investment in Canadian manufacturing capacity.
Regional director emphasizes Canadian investment
Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi connected the labour dispute to broader economic concerns about supporting domestic workers.
“In this trade war, we need to ensure we are investing in Canadian workers and that starts with strong wages and working conditions,” said Hashi.
The strike comes as the newly unionized workforce seeks to establish their first collective bargaining agreement with the industrial equipment company. Toromont Industries has not yet responded to requests for comment on the labour action.
Unifor represents 320,000 workers across Canada’s private sector and describes itself as the country’s largest private sector union.
