The BC Federation of Labour today announced a province-wide boycott of Kal Tire, in response to the company’s lockout of workers at multiple locations and their unacceptable bargaining stance.
“BC unions stand firmly behind Machinists Union Local 1857 ,” said BCFED President Sussanne Skidmore. “Kal Tire’s insistence on paying workers at newly-unionized workplaces far less than those at their other shops is blatantly unfair. And the company’s heavy-handed tactics make it clear they know it is wrong.”
“Our members are highly skilled workers, doing difficult and often hazardous work that drivers and the public count on,” said Dale Gentile, business representative for District 250 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. “We’re standing strong for fairness, and we deeply appreciate this solidarity from our fellow labour unions across BC.”
“We’re calling on union members and the general public to not patronize Kal Tire,” said BCFED Secretary-Treasurer Hermender Singh Kailley. “Let’s send them a message they can’t ignore: start treating your workers fairly.”