“In the near future Unifor National is hoping to receive approval for the Unifor (London Regional) Action Center to open in both London (at Unifor local 27) and Ingersoll (at Unifor local 88) to provide peer-led support for workers impacted by layoff or plant closure.”
This first paragraph in the Unifor Job Posting article that was on our website yesterday, was not intended to instill fear in anyone about a plant closure at our location. As you can see from the statement above, The Unifor (London Regional) Action Center is intended to provide services to more than just Local 88. Unfortunately, Accuride is currently facing a plant closure, and they are members of Local 27. These Action Center locations would be providing services to both locals, as well as members of Local 636 and 1859, who also have been experiencing lay offs in their workplaces.
The formation of an Action Center does not indicate that there is a plant closure on the horizon, but that there has been a disruption to the workforce that resulted in lay offs or job loss, as in the case of Accuride in London, ON and Adient in Tillsonburg, ON. Previously, our last two Action Centers that were formed, were only used for the members of Local 88. At the time they were established to help with the layoffs that took place, only affecting our workforce. Currently all four union locals mentioned above are experiencing layoffs to some degree. This is why the action centers are designated as “regional”, to better service all members experiencing layoffs.
When considering the vast area covered by the workers affected, being able to provide two Action Centers at separate locations will allow easier access to those using the services provided.