Hundreds of employees are set to hit the picket line Monday morning after a final contract offer from Leamington-based food processor Highbury Canco was shot down.
The company provided a final offer to the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union Local 175 on February 8.
That offer was rejected on Saturday.
“Our members make high-quality products that consumers purchase from grocery shelves nationwide,” said President of UFCW Local 175 Shawn Haggerty. “Highbury Canco should be a leader in this sector and start prioritizing the well-being of its employees who deserve to make good competitive wages.”
Over 400 workers will begin strike action at 12:01 a.m. on Monday. The main issue these workers are taking a stand on is wages.
Back in November, the membership voted 99.9% in favour of a strike mandate, according to officials. The parties met in conciliation on three separate days but reached a final impasse on January 20, 2023.
“Our members are looking for significant wage improvements which they more than deserve,” said UFCW Local 175 Regional Director Sam Caetano. “These workers held strong and worked hard throughout the difficulties of the last several years and they are taking a stand for better compensation and respect, and we have their backs.”
Workers at the plant manufacture tomato-based food and beverage products under a number of brand names.
Their previous contract expired at the end of 2022.