STONEY CREEK, ON, May 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Unifor members working at
Waste Management Canada Corp. (WM) began strike action on
May 2, 2024. Major issues with the
employer include forced overtime and lack of work-life-balance.
"Our dedicated members handle the tough job of ensuring
commercial businesses have their garbage and recycling collected
and removed in a safety-sensitive environment," said Local 4268
President Debbie Montgomery.
"They should be able to go to work without being forced to work
extra hours outside their shifts. The company continues to show a
blatant disregard for these workers."
The 60 Unifor members at Local 4268 work as WM drivers,
mechanics, and technicians, servicing commercial businesses in
Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Niagara, Brantford, and surrounding regions. They do
not provide residential service.
When members have to leave at the end of their scheduled shifts
to pick up children from child care or school or to care for aging
parents, in some cases, the company has asked to see proof,
including child custody agreements, which is a blatant invasion of
privacy.
The members are also fighting for improved benefits and
pensions. Currently, the company pays 50
cents on the dollar and refuses to make any improvements. In
the midst of an affordability crisis, these workers deserve to not
have to worry about their retirement.
"WM is a company that feels it needs to exercise the iron fist
in order to get the job done at whatever cost necessary," she
said.
"And it's our members who are paying the price – whether it's
losing time with their loved ones or being afraid they will
randomly face disciplinary action. Strike action is our members
saying, 'We're fed up. Show us some respect.'"
Unifor is Canada's largest
union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every
major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working
people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in
Canada and abroad and strives to
create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor