130+ Workers Locked Out By Toronto's Ryding-Regency Meat Packers

TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - UFCW Canada is launching a campaign calling for fairness for more than 130 workers locked out by Toronto's Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd.

The lockout began on August 31, as part of the company's agenda to claw back the working conditions of UFCW Canada Local 1000A members.

Despite generating more than $90 million in annual revenue, the owner of Ryding-Regency - who also owns Canadian Select Meats and St. Anns Slaughterhouse - is demanding a wage freeze, the imposition of temporary workers, and the cancellation of short-term disability benefits.

"The workers are the backbone of this company and at the heart of its success," said Stephen Lavalle, who has been with the company for 23 years. "It's unreasonable when the business is doing well, that they are demanding concessions. We want to return to work, but with a fair deal."

"Our members are standing up for fairness in their workplace, while ensuring decent jobs remain in the community," said Local 1000A's lead negotiator Don Taylor. "The union's negotiating committee has worked very hard to address the issues presented at the table. It is regrettable that the company refused to resolve this at the bargaining table and locked out our members in an attempt to force their agenda."

UFCW Canada Local 1000A has nearly 30,000 members across Ontario working in various sectors of the economy. UFCW Canada is calling on its members and allies in the community to support this campaign for fairness at ufcw.ca.

SOURCE: United Food and Commercial Workers - Local 1000A

For more information, please contact Don Taylor, Local 1000A Director of Manufacturing, Processing and Packing Sector: [email protected] or 416.709.7935.