Cambridge Brass steelworkers on strike

Over 100 members of United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 4045 initiated a strike against Cambridge Brass on July 19, seeking improvements to wages, pensions, and seniority rights.

Photo source: The United Steel Workers (usw.ca)

In a press release by the USW, Jim Clegg, President of USW Local 4045, said that the strike is not solely about financial gains but also about respect for workers who sustained the company through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re standing united to achieve improvements that recognize our contributions,” Clegg said.

The strike, which is taking place 24 hours a day at the company’s facility in Cambridge, Ont., also aims to restore workers’ rights to bid on shifts based on seniority. The company, which reportedly runs on three shifts (days, afternoons and nights), previously allowed workers to choose their shifts based on seniority, but has discontinued this practice.

The USW says many workers at Cambridge Brass have dedicated decades to the company, manufacturing fittings for outdoor waterworks, some with 20, 30, and over 40 years of service.

USW District 6 Director, Myles Sullivan, emphasized the significance of negotiating improvements given the economic challenges workers have faced since the onset of the pandemic.

“Since the pandemic hit in 2020, Steelworkers have been bargaining for better,” said Sullivan. “While inflation may be slowing, the cost of living is still very high. When a contract is up, that’s the time to make improvements.”