TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - "Only a week and a half into a legal strike against Molson Coors Canada and we can already see that the company is preparing to bring in replacement workers," says Rob Folk, President of the Canadian Union of Brewery and General Workers, Component 325.
On January 12, the company forced workers to strike by pushing an offer at the bargaining table that would gut the collective agreement by attacking retirement security and health and welfare benefits for working families.
"There was no room for negotiations," said Folk. "Molson Coors Canada representatives adopted a "take-it-or-leave-it" approach. There's always give and take in negotiations but this was take, take, take."
"This is a multi-million dollar corporation fighting 320 of its own workers," said Folk. "We're looking for a decent contract that allows us to pay our bills, raise our families, and have some security for our future."
"Union busting does not represent the values of Canadians," continue Folk. "Our members have been loyal workers who take pride in their work, brewing good beer for the country. This kind of tactic will not put a dent in our spirits or in our commitment to get back to work."
"Molson Coors Canada is looking to increase its already massive dividends, while we're just trying to make a living," said Folk.
"We would like to see the Liberals make anti-scab legislation a priority to protect workers from being stomped on by multi-national companies," said Larry Brown, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), of which CUBGW is a Component.
The Ontario government has been reviewing the province's labour legislation in order to make improvements to the system.
About the National Union of Public and General Employees: The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 370,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
SOURCE NATIONAL UNION OF PUBLIC AND GENERAL EMPLOYEES
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Media contact: Rob Folk, CUBGW President 1-416-875-1229 (cell)
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