Locked out workers at Hematite Manufacturing have rejected the company’s latest contract offer.
Workers rejected the offer by a 42-18 vote conducted at the Holiday Inn on Friday.
Hematite makes auto parts at its 659 Speedvale Ave. W. location.
“Our goal is to get the company back to the bargaining table so that we can negotiate a fair contract,” said Gary Panton, President of Local 2508 in a news release.
“We want our members to get back to work, but we will not accept having a contract forced upon us.”
A previous vote on the same offer rejected it by a 25-24 vote and Hematite appealed, forcing Friday’s vote.
The company is seeking concessions on rotating shifts, mandatory overtime and wages, the union says.
Hematite officials have thus far declined to comment.
“This is the third time that workers have voted to reject the same contract put forth by the company,” Fowlie said. “It’s clear that workers are united more than ever and that labour and community support for these locked out workers is growing.”
Workers have been locked out since last Sunday.
There are no further meetings planned at this time, the union said.
“Workers at Hematite Manufacturing have voted overwhelmingly to reject the company’s final contract offer after this morning’s Labour Board appointed vote.
The company filed with the Labour Board for a final offer vote under Section 42 of the Ontario Labour Relations Act,” said Barrie Fowlie, director of Workers United Canada Council in a news release Friday night.
