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"This was a tough fight against the third largest company in the industry that was intent on introducing American-style union busting through gutting a collective agreement." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Toronto (27 Feb. 2017) — After one of the most difficult rounds of bargaining in the history of the Canadian Union of Brewery and General Workers (CUBGW), Component 325, a settlement was finally reached with Molson Coors.
Strike against Molson Coors ends with new contract
CUBGW members had been at the bargaining table with the employer for several months prior to striking on January 12. Brewery workers took the strike action after the employer refused to remove major concessions. The members, who are also represented by the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), walked the picket line for 46 days.
"We are proud of our members for standing up to the Goliath that is Molson Coors," said Robert Folk, CUBGW President. "We are proud of the relationships we've forged over these last 46 days and are proud to be part of the Canadian labour movement."
"As we've always said, we're proud to be part of the beer industry. We look forward to implementing this new agreement and getting back to doing what we do best — producing a quality product for Canadians and our friends," said Folk.
Good Canadian jobs still at stake with Americanization of beer industry
"This was a tough fight against the third largest company in the industry that was intent on introducing American-style union busting through gutting a collective agreement. Members at Component 325 can certainly hold their heads high for standing strong and keeping the union intact," said Larry Brown, NUPGE President.
"We're proud of solidarity that was shown during this strike from the public and the labour movement," said Larry Brown, NUPGE President. "People understood that this wasn't just a fight about these jobs, it was about the future of the middle-class, and good jobs. They understood that we're in this fight together."
Molson Coors Canada is a multi-million dollar global corporation. In 2015, the company brought in US$355.6 million. That same year, the President took home $6.1 million. And dividends at Molson Coors have increased 34 per cent in the last 6 years.
"The beer industry is still facing the issue of having beer being brewed in the States, flooding the Canadian marketplace. This concerns all Canadians. We can love beer, and love good Canadian jobs. This story is not over," said Folk.
Coors Banquet, Miller Lite and Miller Genuine Draft are being shipped up from the U.S. The public is still urged to avoid these beers as a show of support for good Canadian jobs.