Jamieson strike will affect store shelves 'very soon,' says union
CBC
It's only a matter of time before the strike at Jamieson Vitamins will impact product availability on store shelves, warns Unifor Local 195.
"(Workers) want to fight for their future. By the same token, the company gets hurt because they don't produce product while we are on strike," said Local 195 president Emile Nabbout.
"So how much do they have to supply the market? Everybody knows, in recent years, most employers have a lean manufacturing — very low inventory. I'm sure many of the clients (Jamieson) has, they're going to see shortage on the shelf very soon."
"That's why we urge the employer.... come to the table, give the workers what they deserve."
The company didn't respond to a question about whether the strike would affect supply.
Unifor Local 195 represents 317 workers involved in the manufacture and packaging of health supplements at the Jamieson facility at 4025 Rhodes Dr.
Production has been halted since the strike began Feb. 1.
Nabbout said Thursday that negotiations have stalled as well: The union and the employer last exchanged proposals on Feb. 12, but no further talks have been scheduled.
"We're still far apart on many different issues, and specifically on the wages and the monetary package," Nabbout said.
"This is a wealthy company, and they have been making a record profit.... Our union does have some figures, but that is not for us to release."
Ruth Winker, a spokesperson for Jamieson, said the company "remains committed to ending this work stoppage as soon as possible."
However, Winker said it's up to the union to "return to the table" in order for negotiations to continue.
Winker declined to comment further.
Founded 102 years ago, Jamieson describes itself as Canada's leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality natural health products.
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