UE NEWS Updates

On Thursday, May 30, members of Local 155 at Chasen Fiber Technologies unanimously ratified a mid-contract agreement codifying starting wages, promotion raises, new job classifications, and pay for the new night shift.

Management attempted to implement a new night shift and re-create a new maintenance mechanic position without negotiating with the union. The local sent a demand to bargain and began negotiations two weeks later. Prior to the agreement, only the starting wage for line workers was codified in the contract.

UE stands in full solidarity with the students and workers who have been expressing their support for the Palestinian people through peaceful protests on campuses across the country. We unequivocally condemn the violent tactics which university and local police forces have used to break up the encampments.

On Monday, May 27, Canada’s parliament unanimously passed new “anti-scab” legislation that will prohibit federally-regulated employers from using replacement workers during a strike.

“This legislation is about protecting the right to fair and free collective bargaining, including the right to strike,” said Lana Payne, National President of UE’s Canadian ally Unifor. The bill “modernizes Canada’s labor relations system to reflect the current social and economic context of this country, where increased corporate power and wealth requires an effective counter-balance.”

Both Refresco and Chasen Fiber Technologies thought they could intimidate their mainly immigrant workers — who are members of UE Locals 115 and 155 respectively — by running internal I-9 audits. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), employers are required to verify an employee’s identity and their eligibility to work in the country within three days of hiring them. However, employers have the right to audit their own records for compliance, quality, accuracy, and to comply with business contracts.