Heinz Leamington plant investors welcomed by Union

LEAMINGTON, ON, Feb. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - UFCW Canada, Canada's leading voice of workers and the union representing Heinz employees in Leamington, joined communities throughout southwestern Ontario today in welcoming the letter of intent between Canco and Heinz to produce food products at the long-standing Leamington facility, which, until today's announcement, was slated to close this June.

"We welcome the prospect of good jobs being maintained at the plant, which has served as the keystone of Leamington's economy for generations," says Robert Crawford, president of UFCW Canada Local 459, the local union that has represented workers at the plant for decades.

"As soon as Heinz announced its decision to step away from the plant, UFCW 459 started working very hard to secure the best package possible for Heinz employees and their families, and the union also dedicated itself to being on the forefront of the effort to find new investors for the plant, and to ensure that it remains an important part of the Canadian food processing industry for years to come," adds Crawford.

"We are encouraged by Canco's stated commitment to respecting collective bargaining rights and the importance of good union jobs, and we are looking forward to building a productive relationship with the new ownership that benefits employees, investors, and the community alike."

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada) is Canada's leading and most progressive union, representing more than a quarter of a million retail, food and commercial workers in every province of the county.

SOURCE: United Food and Commercial Workers Canada

For further information:

Rob Crawford

President, UFCW Canada Local 459

Tel # [phone]