NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh joined a picket line of workers in Burnaby on Saturday morning, throwing his full weight behind the campaign to fight for better labor rights for Cal Tire employees.
The company barred union members from several branches in the Lower Mainland after refusing to make concessions sought by the union. Singh took part in the protest at the Glimmer Street location.
“We are here to send a clear message: These workers are fighting for fairness. We will support them every step of the way,” Singh said on Saturday. He spoke to a crowd of several workers.
Wearing rain jackets and carrying placards with the message “Mechanics Union Locked Out,” union members gathered to demand fair wages and better treatment for BC Tire employees.
According to a release from the Machinists and Aerospace Workers Association issued Friday, Cal Tire Co. was proposing a two-tier wage schedule at seven locations where its members work. The union, also known as the “Fighting Machinists,” rejected the proposal on the grounds that the new schedule would unfairly reduce wages for employees at the new branch doing the same work.
“Our members perform difficult, essential, and sometimes dangerous work, and they deserve fair compensation everywhere,” the release states.
“We stand strong for equity and are deeply grateful for the support from our community during this time.”
Singh, who participated in the protest along with New Westminster-Burnaby NDP MP Peter Julian, said the workers’ actions represent all suffering workers and are a testament to their “courage and faith.” ” I would like to pay tribute to him.
“Their fight is a fight for all workers, and all workers deserve that equity,” he said.
Singh said the impetus for the protests was to negotiate fair contracts and ensure workers were treated with respect.
“They sent you a message, Cal Tire, they’re not going to let you split them up. They want all workers to be treated fairly. All Let’s look at a deal where all workers get their fair share. All workers are treated with dignity.”
The protest was scheduled to last from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and was one of five protests held Saturday. Others planned include the Anasys Business Park branch in Delta, the Boundary Road branch in Burnaby, and the Vancouver branch at both Clark Drive and Ontario Street.
Singh said it should be easier for workers to join unions, noting that inflation and rising costs of groceries, rent and mortgages have further increased the need for better wages and rights for workers. said.
“People are hurting,” Singh said.
“But do you know who isn’t getting hurt at this point? The big bosses, the big companies are making huge profits. While they’re making profits and workers are struggling, workers’ The only option is to fight through trade unions for better wages and demand fairness.”
The New Democratic Party is an “ally” of the working people, Singh said.
“We’re going to stand with you on this picket line. Whenever you want us to come, we’ll be there for you,” he said.
“Our message is to end the lockout and negotiate a fair deal with these workers.”
In a statement sent to CTV News on Saturday, Cal Tire said the decision to close four of its five stores was made in response to union activity that was “significantly impacting” its ability to serve customers. He said he had made a decision.
“The team members at the fifth store have chosen to withdraw and are currently on strike,” the statement said.
In a statement, Kaltire said it was acting in the best interests of its customers and was “taking the necessary steps” to ensure customers receive the products and services they need, especially as they prepare to drive safely during the winter months. said.
“Cal Tire’s recent offer to the union is fair and reasonable and provides pay comparable to other team members within the company doing the same work,” the statement said.
“Our goal remains to reach a collective bargaining agreement with the union and we apologize to our customers for any inconvenience this dispute may cause.”
Cal Tire remains committed to “keeping our team members healthy and ensuring our customers have access to products and services when and where they need them,” the company said.
