TORONTO, May 5, 2024
/CNW/ - Workers at Nestle have decided to strike over a lack of
improvements to their pension plan. Also at issue is the time it
takes workers to get to the top rate of pay.
"Nestle workers in the past have gone on strike over pension
contributions and again, it's at the crux of this dispute," said
Unifor National President Lana
Payne.
"Retirement security is very important to our members, and you
throw an affordability crisis on top of that, and it's no wonder
our members are determined to fight here."
There are 461 Local 252 members at the Toronto Nestle plant,
which produces Kit Kat, Aero, and Coffee Crisp chocolate bars, as
well as Smarties. They work as machine operators, bar packers,
shippers and receivers, general labourers, and in Skilled
Trades.
"As one of the biggest food and beverage manufacturers in the
world, the company has a responsibility to make sure workers can
have a decent income during these challenging economic times," said
Unifor Local 252 President Eamonn
Clarke.
"Members were not satisfied with the lack of improvements to
pensions and a two-year COLA freeze. Our union will stand with our
members as they continue to fight for a fair deal that shows them
the respect they deserve."
The union doesn't have any planned negotiation dates with the
company, but will keep the membership updated.
Unifor is Canada's largest
union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every
major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working
people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in
Canada and abroad and strives to
create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor