Unifor's Fierce Battle: Rallies Ignite Hope for Reopening Titan Tool & Die After Abrupt Closure

The streets of Windsor thrummed with a defiant energy as Unifor members, union allies, and community supporters converged for a powerful rally outside the shuttered doors of Titan Tool & Die. Their message was clear, resounding, and unwavering: reopen the plant and ensure justice for the 40 dedicated workers abruptly cast aside without warning, pay, or benefits.

The automotive parts manufacturer, located on Lauzon Road, ceased operations with a suddenness that sent shockwaves through its workforce.

Employees arrived for their shifts only to find their livelihoods snatched away, not just without notice, but also without the severance and vacation pay they were legally owed. This callous disregard for labour laws and the human impact of such a decision has ignited a fervent response from Unifor, Canada's largest private sector union.

Lana Payne, Unifor National President, minced no words, labelling the actions of Titan Management as "unscrupulous." She vehemently condemned the company for its egregious treatment of employees, emphasizing that leaving workers in the lurch, especially those who dedicated years to the company, is unacceptable.

"Our members were doing their jobs, making the company money, only to be walked out and told they don't have jobs anymore," Payne declared, her voice echoing the outrage of the community.

The situation at Titan Tool & Die is eerily familiar, stirring painful memories and deepening the sense of injustice.

The same ownership group was also behind the closure of Aar-Kel Tool and Die in Wallaceburg last year, a move that similarly left workers without their rightful pay. This pattern of behaviour has only strengthened Unifor's resolve to hold the owners accountable and prevent further exploitation.

John D'Agnolo, President of Unifor Local 200, which represented the workers at Titan Tool & Die, voiced the profound frustration and economic hardship faced by his members.

"These workers deserve to have their severance, they deserve their vacation pay," D'Agnolo asserted, highlighting the immediate financial strain on families. He called upon both the provincial and federal governments to intervene swiftly, demanding that they pressure the company to rectify its wrongs and secure the future of these workers.

The rally drew significant political support, underscoring the broad community concern.

Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie, Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky, and several city councillors attended, showing solidarity with the workers and Unifor's fight. Their presence lent weight to the call for governmental action and a more robust safety net for workers facing such dire circumstances.

Unifor has made it clear that this rally is just the beginning.

The union is exploring all legal avenues, including potential court action, to ensure that the workers receive every penny they are owed. The fight for Titan Tool & Die is more than just about one plant; it's a stand for worker rights, for accountability in corporate conduct, and for a future where no employee is left abandoned when a company decides to shut its doors.