The president of the union representing striking Jamieson Laboratories employees has stated that there hasn't been much movement in negotiations.
The 317 employees represented by Unifor Local 195 walked off the job at midnight on January 31, after rejecting an offer made by the company.
Two weeks later, Local 195 President Emile Nabbout admits negotiations are at an impasse.
"Negotiations are moving very slow, and the company is moving very slow," said Nabbout. "The progress was not to the expectation that the union wanted. At the end of the day, the union wants a fair collective agreement that we are able to get back to our members and get ratified."
Nabbout said the two sides met last week, but not much progress was made. On Monday, the union returned with a new offer.
"The union made a serious attempt and re-tabled a new proposal just to show some movement," said Nabbout. "The company countered back. Basically, there was disappointment on the union side on how the company countered back."
The union said wages are the biggest sticking point, with inflation and the increased cost of living factored in. Benefits and job security are other issues.
Jamieson Laboratories is one of Canada's largest vitamin manufacturers, with a facility in east Windsor. According to its official website, Jamieson sends its products to 45 countries worldwide.
-with files from Adelle Loiselle
