Vote for the Union
Kirchhoff is resorting to extreme measures to prevent workers from unionizing. Their communication tactics involve using fear to create uncertainty and discourage unionization. However, these tactics have not worked in the past and will not work in the future. Workers are intelligent and aware of their rights.
Many workers have voiced their concerns over the declining working conditions, low wages, inadequate health and safety measures, and lack of job security. That is precisely why so many of you have expressed your support, signed up with Unifor, and are ready to vote "yes" for the union.
It is disheartening to see that Kirchhoff management is resorting to such desperate measures to prevent workers from having a say in improving their working conditions. Their latest tactics include asking workers to spread false rumors about the impact of unionization on the company. This is unacceptable, as the right to unionize is protected by law, and all workers should be able to exercise this right without fear of reprisal or intimidation.
Keep in mind, Kirchhoff is a successful global company, with operations in 11 countries, 27 plants, and a workforce of 8,000 employees. The notion that the company would be crippled by the unionization of just 300 employees is a baseless and deceptive claim. Furthermore, the idea that Kirchhoff's unionization status would have any impact on future business dealings is simply not true. It's worth noting that it's illegal for a company to shut down because workers have exercised their right to join a union. So let's put this fear to rest and focus on the benefits that unionization can bring to the workers and the company alike.
Forming a union will bring increased certainty and stability to the workplace. By unionizing, workers will have a stronger collective voice to negotiate for better working conditions, higher wages, improved health and safety measures, and job security. In fact, unionized workers earn an average of $5 more per hour than non-unionized workers, because they have the means to make continuous improvements year after year. With a union, workers can ensure that their rights are protected, and that they have a say in decisions that affect their livelihoods. This is especially important in today's economic climate. Unionization provides a level of stability and security that is crucial for workers and their families.
Vote Details:
The vote will be open tomorrow, Wednesday April 5th at 2:00 PM.
Even if you did not sign a union card, you still have the right to vote YES for Unifor.
By now, you should have received an email from the Labour Board with the voting instructions and your individual PIN.
The PIN is unique and can only be used once. You have the ability to vote on any personal device or phone. Regardless of the device you use to cast your ballot, your employer will never know how you voted.
If you haven’t received an email with a pin and ID yet, please let us know ASAP. Additionally, if you experience any challenges with voting, you can call the OLRB Help Desk at: (416) 326-7432
OLRB Help Desk Hours of Operation:
April 5th, 2023 - 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
April 6th, 2023 - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
If necessary, leave a detailed message with your full name, contact information, and a Labour Relations Officer will respond to your message as soon as possible.
The vote will close on Thursday April 6th at 2:00 PM.
A conference call is to be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday between the parties if there are any outstanding issues. The Labour Board will count the ballots on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. We will get the results to you as soon as possible after that.
Once Unifor is certified as your bargaining agent with the vote today, we will begin meeting with you to identify the issues that are most important to you and your co-workers, and from there develop with you a set of bargaining priorities to negotiate your first collective agreement.
Reminder! The vote is conducted by the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) and is 100% CONFIDENTIAL, No one will ever know how you voted. That’s the Law!
If you have any questions or concerns about the process please contact us.
Contact Us:
Tricia Brown
416.768.5904
Hassan Mirza