Wescast in Wingham (File photo)Wescast in Wingham (File photo)
Midwestern

Uncertainty surrounds Wescast's intentions for Wingham foundry

An internal memo from Wescast Industries has raised doubts about the company's claim that the Wingham foundry will not be closed.

Unifor has expressed skepticism regarding the credibility of the owners' promises, with Unifor National President Lana Payne criticizing Wescast's management and owner, citing a history of broken promises, violations of the collective agreement, and disrespect towards workers.

"Our union is not going to take the company's claims on faith. At this time, Wescast's words are not worth the paper they're printed on," she stated.

The memo, attributed to Wescast Industries' North American Business Unit, was circulated among workers on May 30, 2023, in response to Unifor's condemnation of the company's decision to close the foundry. However, the memo's contents failed to address the concerns raised by union members about the facility's closure, leaving many statements ambiguous.

"The livelihoods of Wescast workers are at stake. They deserve more than a few words scrawled on a page. They deserve respect," emphasized Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. Rizvi called for full disclosure of the company's intentions, stressing the need to recognize the dedication of Unifor members who have worked at the plant for generations.

Wescast Industries, which was acquired by Sichuan Bohong Industry Co. Ltd. of China in 2013, has been a subject of ongoing concerns for the union regarding the future operations of the plant. In January 2023, Unifor filed a grievance against the company for sourcing castings from China and supplying them to the North American market, violating the terms of the collective agreement.

Joel Sutton, the plant chair at Wescast for Unifor Local 4207, pointed out that the company's actions indicated a shift of work overseas, with little chance of it returning.

"If Bohong wants our trust, they have to earn it first," Sutton remarked, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability.

Over the weekend, members of Unifor Local 4207 gathered to discuss their frustrations and explore ways to garner public support for the workers and the foundry.

The collective agreement between Unifor and Wescast is set to expire on June 30, 2023, and both parties are scheduled to begin contract talks later this month.

Wescast has not responded to a request for comment from CKNXNewsToday.ca on reports that it intends to close foundry operations in Wingham.

North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer has also not commented on Wescast's plans, insisting on hearing from the company before making any public comment.

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