ADVISORY: July 19 Solidarity Event to Support Toronto Steelworkers Locked out by NRT

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Labour union leaders will be joining the picket line at National Rubber Technologies (NRT) on Monday, July 19, to show support for the workers who were unfairly locked out by the employer on July 2.

WHO: Labour leaders and supporters
WHAT: Solidarity Event Supporting United Steelworkers union Local 3950 members locked out by NRT
WHEN: Monday, July 19, 2021, 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: National Rubber Technologies (NRT), 35 Cawthra Ave., Toronto, ON M6N 5B3 (north of Dundas St. W., east of Keele St. off Junction Rd.)

Their employer, National Rubber Technologies (NRT), has demanded 63 concessions, including include forced overtime, leaves of absence instead of vacation and other attacks on hard-won working conditions.

Speakers at the solidarity event include:

• Andria Babbington, President, Toronto and York Region Labour Council
• Ken Neumann, USW National Director

The 47 workers recycle scrap rubber (tires) into numerous accessories for the auto industry (mud flaps, helmet parts, auto interiors).

Terry Tomlinson, CEO of NRT, forces workers to work overtime and discriminates against workers with disabilities by paying above regular wage increases if workers have perfect attendance.

“It’s a sham. Instead of bargaining, the company put up barricades and moved equipment to its U.S. operations,” said Lightbourne Hunter, USW Local 3950 President. “Is NRT using the lockout as a coverup to avoid paying its longstanding workers the severance pay it owes them?”

Please wear a mask and observe safe physical distancing.

Watch a video from the picket line: https://www.facebook.com/SteelworkersTorontoAreaCouncil/videos/190032103131695