Support building for salt miners as company refuses to negotiate

GODERICH, ON, July 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Despite Unifor's repeated requests to resume negotiations to end an 11-week strike at the salt mine in Goderich, Compass Minerals refuses to negotiate fairly.

"The members and hundreds of supporters now bolstering the picket line have made it crystal clear that not a single scab is getting past," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "The national union and all 315,000 members are behind them in solidarity."

The American corporation that owns the salt mine has told Unifor talks will not resume unless replacement workers are allowed to keep working.

"Let's make sure they hear us loud and clear that Unifor wants to get to the bargaining table and we want a deal today, and then we'll get our workers back to work," said Scott Doherty, Executive Assistant to the National President, speaking to hundreds of supporters at a rally in Goderich on Saturday.

In an effort to thank the community for their ongoing support and solidarity, Unifor Local 16-0 hosted the first in a series of daily community events for members, their families and their neighbours. Media are welcome to attend a community barbecue and children's drawing contest at 3 p.m. today at 300 North Harbour Road W.

Workers from unions across Ontario are joining striking miners in their 24-hour vigil on the picket line to stop busloads of scab workers from New Brunswick from doing their jobs and prolonging this dispute.

"The community support and union solidarity has been heartwarming and it is clear the community wants us to be treated fairly so we can get back to work and life can return to normal for everyone," said Gary Lynch, President of Local 16-0.

Lynch said the local's 348 members were forced on strike April 27, 2018 after the company's final offer included working conditions that the union believe violate Ontario labour standards, including 16-hour work days and forced overtime. For more on the history of this dispute watch this Unifor YouTube video.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor