Production workers have voted to unionize at Cancarb Industries in Medicine Hat.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
@MedicineHatNews
A majority of production workers at Cancarb Industries have voted to join a union, officials with the company and Unifor have told the News.
The nation’s largest industrial union filed application with the Alberta Labour Relations Board to certify the carbon black production plant in early February.
Voting by 47 non-managerial and administrative staff took place early this week by computer ballot, with about 70 per cent of those cast in favour, said Unifor national organizing manager Justin Gniposki.
“(We) will move to elect a bargaining committee and move towards bargaining their first collective agreement,” said Gniposki, who previously stated working conditions and wages in relation to inflation were factors in the drive.
Cancarb officials did not challenge the application or size of the proposed unit at ALRB hearing in February.
“The management of Cancarb has said throughout the process that it respects the rights of workers to collective bargaining under the established labour laws of Alberta,” reads a statement from Cancarb from Feb. 29.
“Cancarb will commence negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with the Unifor Local 4050 representatives and looks forward to a constructive and collaborative relationship, while working towards a beneficial outcome for all stakeholders.”
Last week, the same local Unifor No. 4050 applied to represent about 100 employees of CF Industries in Medicine Hat. That matter will be the subject of an ALRB administrative hearing scheduled for March 7 in Edmonton.
