The union representing former Wescast employees says it was awarded a historic settlement, ending a nearly two-year severance and termination pay dispute.
Unifor announced on Friday it had been awarded approximately $15 million for the nearly 200 union members who had been let go after Wescast closed the Wingham plant in 2023.
"We simply cannot overstate the scale or importance of this victory," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "It is one of the largest and most significant wins for our members who deserve our deepest gratitude for their courage and persistence in this nearly two-year long fight. Our union was more than happy to give Wescast and its overseas owners a $15 million lesson in workers’ rights."
The arbitrator ruled that Wescast violated its obligations to pay workers enhanced severance and termination pay, as outlined in the collective agreement. The arbitration ruling includes interest penalties.
Wescast operated a casting plant for more than a century in Wingham, until its overseas owner, Bohong Industries Group in China, decided to shut down in 2023.
"Although it was heartbreaking to be treated so disrespectfully by this company and see our basic rights trampled on, in the end it was heartening to see all of us united like never before," said Unifor Local 4207 Plant Chair Joel Sutton. "I am proud that our legacy as Wescast workers is that we stood up for ourselves, took this fight head-on, and won a significant victory that not only benefits us, but all workers across Canada."