Workers at a Windsor tool and die operation are spending their third day locked out of their workplace with no end to the labour dispute in sight.
The employees at Titan Tool and Die on Howard Avenue were locked out on Monday when collective bargaining failed to produce a tentative agreement.
The workers' contract expired on July 31.
Unifor Local 195 represents 59 workers, although all but 27 are on layoff.
Local President Emile Nabbout said the company wants concessions, but the union isn't willing to budge after the workers' wages have been frozen for 12 years.
"The company came up with a list of concessions, basically to tear down the collective agreement we have," said Nabbout. "They said they need a break financially. Our members have demonstrated incredible patience, opting to freeze their wages for the last 12 years. But, that was on good faith to support that facility in order to bring in new business. But the company hasn't brought in new business."
Back in March, the company attempted to remove equipment from the facility, blaming the U.S. trade war. It resulted in a standoff between the union and Titan Tool and Die.
"It is disheartening to see this company using some unfounded challenges related to international policy," said Nabbout. "None of it is founded. Everybody knows under CUSMA (Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement) if you're an automotive company building parts on this side of the border, you are not going to be tariffed."
Nabbout said the union has offered to help the company find efficiencies, but it wasn't interested.
As for what's next for the workers, Nabbout said, "We can not predict the company's next move. The union is open to bargaining a fair collective agreement on the condition that there will be no concessions on the things we have bargained over the years. We are looking for a solution."
WindsorNewsToday.ca has left a message with Titan Tool and Die for comment.
