WINGHAM—Unifor members will stage a protest at the Wescast plant in Wingham, Ontario tomorrow at 11 a.m. against the company’s China-based owners for withholding an estimated $10 million from workers.

“Our protest is about sending a message to Wescast’s overseas owners that ignoring your legal, financial and moral obligations to workers is not how you do business in Ontario,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “This foundry has been around for more than century and is a pillar of the community of Wingham. Workers deserve to be treated better than having to fight for what’s owed to them.”

On April 17, 2024 Unifor sent a letter to the Ontario Director of Employment Standards seeking intervention in the matter. A copy of the letter was sent to Ontario Minister of Labour David Piccini.

What: Unifor protest against Wescast plant owners withholding approximately $10 million in termination and severance payments to workers.

Who: Unifor Local 4207 members and Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi.

When: Thursday, April 25, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time

Where: Protest location is at the Wescast plant at 100 Water Street, Wingham, Ontario.

Approximately 200 Unifor Local 4207 members worked at the foundry when the company ceased operations in July 2023. The foundry had been in operation since 1902. Before ceasing operation, the plant supplied cast components for the auto industry. Wescast was acquired by Bohong Industries Group in 2013. The company has refused to pay millions of dollars in termination and severance payments owed to workers.