Key issues include temporary workers, wage improvements: Union
More than 360 workers set up picket lines at a Nestlé Canada manufacturing plant in Toronto May 1, after contract negotiations between Unifor Local 252 and the chocolate giant broke down.
"This is a highly profitable, multi-national corporation that is relying on the use of temporary agency workers to essentially do full-time work," said Paul Shiels, president of Unifor Local 252. "Our members believe it's unfair to their fellow workers, who do the same job standing shoulder-to-shoulder while being paid less, with no pension and limited benefits."
The workers — who manufacture Kit Kat, Aero, Coffee Crisp and Smarties — have been in a legal strike position since midnight April 30, but members of the bargaining committee continued to negotiate with the employer until early Monday morning, said the union.
"It is our hope to resolve this quickly and reach a fair deal with Nestlé so our members can return to work," said Shiels.
In addition to the classification of temporary employees members at Nestlé are also seeking improvements to wages and benefits, according to Unifor.
