Max Aicher workers still locked out 2 years later

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Workers at Max Aicher North America have been locked out for almost two years. Today, the United Steelworkers union held a barbeque in front of the Hamilton plant, to bring attention to the drawn-out labour dispute.

When contract talks between Max Aicher North America – or MANA – and it’s union workers first broke down in 2013, about 100 workers were locked out.

Now, only about 26 people collect strike pay. “The situation here is that there are actually scabs, replacement workers are going in the plant to produce” says Local 1005 President Gary Howe.

The union had turned down a contract with reduced pensions and benefits along with an offer to cut wages by ten dollars an hour. Workers made between 26 and 33 dollars an hour. Employees like Grant Gross have had to find other jobs.

“It doesn’t feel good, I started 1978. I’m on my 38th year and I can’t retire. I’m a year and a half short of retirement and these guys are stopping me.”

Contract talks last broke down in March 2014. Marty Warren, The United Steelworker district director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada says he’s going to reach out to the owner later on this week and try to restart a dialogue.

If that fails, Warren says there should be government intervention. “To stand up for the citizens of Ontario and tell this employer them you’re not going to undermine the citizens. We’re going to create an atmosphere when and agreement can be reached.”

NDP MPP Paul Miller says he wants Ontario to once again adopt legislation that would ban replacement workers. “It shortens strikes, people get to the negotiating table faster. Companies are ready to talk as opposed to lock people out as opposed to squeeze them on their benefits and pension plans.”

MANA did not respond to requests for an interview.