Lawyers representing Titan Tool and Die are seeking an order from the Ontario Superior Court to prevent Unifor workers from obstructing the removal of manufacturing equipment from a Windsor facility.
The company needs to relocate eight pieces of machinery as per a contractual agreement with a customer, legal representatives stated during a court session on Thursday.
On Monday, members of Unifor 195 impeded the company’s efforts to take some equipment from their Howard Avenue site.
Union members expressed concerns to the media, asserting that the equipment was being transported to a facility in Michigan, which could jeopardize their employment.
According to the company’s lawyers, the blockade held up a truck loaded with dies for six hours before the equipment could eventually be removed from it.
Justice Jasminka Kalajdzic is overseeing the proceedings and indicated that she would make a ruling on Friday.
Company Requests Immediate Equipment Removal
Dante Gatti, a lawyer for Titan Tool and Die, stated that the company is seeking an injunction to prevent further obstructions from workers regarding equipment removal.
“We need an assurance, a commitment,” Gatti remarked.
Company attorneys confirmed that an additional eight pieces of equipment are scheduled to be shipped out on Friday.
According to Jeff Patterson, another lawyer for Titan Tool and Die, the equipment is set to leave imminently, with some pieces expected to be dispatched as soon as tomorrow.
Patterson noted that the workers had allegedly threatened and intimidated the truck driver, claiming they would “slash the truck” if it left the site with the equipment on Monday. He also mentioned that a police report was filed and that the company has received threatening emails warning them with the phrase “FAFO,” which stands for “f— around and find out.”
Union Argues for Rights Regarding Equipment Removal
Anthony Dale, a legal representative for Unifor 195, stated in court that the union had requested a discussion with the company regarding the possible removal of tools back in January. Dale explained that the company had cited quality concerns as the reason for the tooling’s removal.
He acknowledged that Titan’s clients, Toyo Tools and Autokiniton, may have certain requirements, but asserted that the union has the right to contest those demands.
“There is a clear connection between the issue of these tools’ presence or absence and employee employment,” Dale argued. “The union has a significant interest in whether tools remain or are removed from the workplace, as it directly impacts work availability.”
Dale urged the court to reject the injunction request, claiming that the union was not adequately notified and requested a postponement, as no active blockade existed and the situation was stable.
“The union’s protest has ceased; there’s no proof that another protest will occur,” Dale stated. “If one arises, the company can file for an injunction then.”
Union Seeks to Protect Canadian Jobs
Unifor 195 president Emile Naboutt refrained from commenting on the ongoing case, citing its presence in court. However, during the blockade, Unifor representative Sarkis Gaspar conveyed to CBC News that the removal of the tools would lead to job losses in Windsor.
“In our view, those are our jobs; they belong to Canada,” Gaspar declared. “We are determined to keep those jobs here and will not permit anyone to take them away. They are ours, and they will remain in Canada.”
