Tony Leah, Political Action Committee Chair for UNIFOR Local 222 in Oshawa, discusses an ongoing strike at Vale Sudbury by USWA 6500. The workers recently rejected a contract offer that would deny post-retirement health benefits to any new hires.
The Sudbury workers represent growing resistance to two-tier contracts. Leah notes that the tier system in the auto industry began during the financial crisis, but has been allowed to expand even when the auto companies returned to making obscene profits.
However, in Quebec, the labour movement has successfully forced the provincial government to pass legislation that makes it illegal to impose worse wages, benefits, or pensions on workers based solely on their date of hire. Quebec labour has also ensured that the anti-scab law has remained in effect since being introduced by the Parti Quebecois in 1977. Workers in English Canada should really try and take a page from their Quebec counterparts.
A good example is the recent Toronto strike by determined Nestle workers that had broad support. They achieved a contract that will bring 2nd tier workers up to equal wages in three years, and also increases pensions for longer-term workers.
Leah calls for a coordinated strategy to fight tiered wages and benefits, that builds solidarity amongst workers across the country and internationally.
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Interview with Tony Leah
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