Ontario
Nine-day Strike Leads to New Contract

UAW Local 251 members prevent a scab trucker from entering company property during a nine-day strike in February at Vanatter/Solus Mfg. in Wallaceburg, Ontario.

The first strike in H.E. Vanatter/Solus Mfg.’s history began on Valentine’s Day, but there was no love lost between the Canadian company and UAW Local 251 workers.

The 210 tool and die makers and casting division workers at the Wallaceburg, Ontario, facility voted down the company’s final offer by 77 percent on Feb. 13.

According to organizers, the offer was rejected because of issues affecting outsourcing, pensions, union recognition, and the four-year duration of the agreement.

Shortly after midnight on Feb. 14, the workers went on strike. It lasted nine days, with around-the-clock picketing.

After nine days, the membership was back at a ratification meeting reviewing a tentative agreement recommended by the bargaining committee. All of the issues in the company’s previous “final offer” were addressed, and the agreement was accepted by 82 percent of the membership.

Organizers cited the strength and unity among workers and immense community support in bringing a quick end to the dispute. Highlights of the agreement include language to prevent outsourcing, union recognition, pension increases, and hourly wage improvements to $2.05 from $1.40 over the three-year agreement.

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