TORONTO—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 Cost of Living Adjustment (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.

STONEY CREEK—Unifor members working at Waste Management Canada Corp. (WM) began strike action on May 2, 2024. Major issues with the employer include forced overtime and lack of work-life-balance.

“Our dedicated members handle the tough job of ensuring commercial businesses have their garbage and recycling collected and removed in a safety-sensitive environment,” said Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery.

“They should be able to go to work without being forced to work extra hours outside their shifts. The company continues to show a blatant disregard for these workers.”

The 60 Unifor members at Local 4268 work as WM drivers, mechanics, and technicians, servicing commercial businesses in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Niagara, Brantford, and surrounding regions. They do not provide residential service.

When members have to leave at the end of their scheduled shifts to pick up children from child care or school or to care for aging parents, in some cases, the company has asked to see proof, including child custody agreements, which is a blatant invasion of privacy.

The members are also fighting for improved benefits and pensions. Currently, the company pays 50 cents on the dollar and refuses to make any improvements. In the midst of an affordability crisis, these workers deserve to not have to worry about their retirement.

“WM is a company that feels it needs to exercise the iron fist in order to get the job done at whatever cost necessary,” she said.

“And it’s our members who are paying the price – whether it’s losing time with their loved ones or being afraid they will randomly face disciplinary action. Strike action is our members saying, ‘We’re fed up. Show us some respect.’”

May 5 is Red Dress Day, a day of awareness for the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited individuals (MMIWG2S), and a time to express our deep solidarity with their families. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has laid out 231 recommendations for ending the violence. The Inquiry’s report calls out the ongoing cycle of violence and systemic discrimination that has resulted from Canada’s colonial past. By ignoring or underfunding support for Indigenous communities, colonial violence has been perpetuated by governments in every region.

The Inquiry’s calls for justice are a guide for all Canadians, organizations, and governments to put an end to the violence. Allies must keep up pressure on elected officials to get to work to implement all 231 recommendations.

As a social union, Unifor recognizes that the fight for social justice for everyone goes beyond the bargaining table, and extends to community action. For the second year in a row, we will partner with the Tears to Hope Society to participate in their annual relay run to raise awareness about the women and girls who have gone missing along Northern B.C.’s “Highway of Tears”. This year, Unifor members can participate in a nationwide relay on Saturday, October 5.

More details, including a checklist for Unifor event organizers, shirt orders, and pledge details will follow this summer.

In the meantime, Unifor local unions are strongly encouraged to find May 5 events in your area and participate. A growing list of events can be found on Unifor’s website. Also on the website are graphics to share in your social media channels to amplify the message that violence against Indigenous woman, girls, and two spirited people must stop!

On May 5 and every day: no more stolen sisters.