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“We welcome the prospect of good jobs being maintained at the plant, which has served as the keystone of Leamington’s economy for generations,” says Robert Crawford, President of UFCW Canada Local 459.
Ottawa (27 Feb. 2014) — An announcement was made in Leamington, Ontario that may provide much needed assistance to the community.
Announced closure of Leamington's Heinz factory a huge blow to community
In November 2013, one of the biggest employers in the region, Heinz, announced that it would be closing its food processing plant. The closure would put over 800 people out of work. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), which represents the workers at Heinz worked hard to negotiate the best possible deal for the laid off workers, especially after billionaire Warren Buffet, company owner, committed to providing the laid off workers with a decent severance package.
Now, Heinz is back with a plan to prevent the factory from closing completely.
A letter of intent (LOI) has been signed between Heinz and Highbury Canco Company (HCC), an Ontario-based consortium of investors, to acquire the Leamington facility and act as a co-packer for Heinz. Highbury has said it is looking to employ 250 people, plus additional seasonal workers.
Talks to begin with local farmers, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada and all levels of government soon
Highbury's press release indicated that "under the terms of the LOI, HCC would assume responsibility for the Heinz Leamington site and transition to manufacturing, co-packing and distribution of certain products in early July. HCC's growth plan, including subsequent investment in the Leamington site, would provide additional employment opportunities in the future."
Decisions will need to be made regarding the 2014 tomato crop soon, so HCC has said anouncements will be made in the next few weeks.
UFCW Canada welcomes deal
UFCW Canada joined communities throughout southwestern Ontario today in welcoming the LOI between Canco and Heinz to produce food products at the long-standing Leamington facility
“We welcome the prospect of good jobs being maintained at the plant, which has served as the keystone of Leamington’s economy for generations,” says Robert Crawford, President of UFCW Canada Local 459.
“As soon as Heinz announced its decision to step away from the plant, UFCW 459 started working very hard to secure the best package possible for Heinz employees and their families, and the union also dedicated itself to being on the forefront of the effort to find new investors for the plant, and to ensure that it remains an important part of the Canadian food processing industry for years to come,” adds Crawford.
“We are encouraged by Canco’s stated commitment to respecting collective bargaining rights and the importance of good union jobs, and we are looking forward to building a productive relationship with the new ownership that benefits employees, investors, and the community alike.”
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