After 200+ days locked out, Titan Tool workers shift focus to closure, severance

After more than 200 days on the picket line, Titan Tool workers say they just hope they can get a severance agreement. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell reports.

After more than 200 days locked out of Titan Tool & Die, some workers say their focus is no longer on returning to the shop floor, but on negotiating a closure or severance agreement.

Members of Unifor Local 195 have been off the job since last summer amid a labour dispute with the company. Earlier this week, workers blocked several trucks from entering the facility, saying they believed materials and tools were being removed or production work was taking place.

The company has previously said it is not stamping parts at the plant. It did not respond to CTV News’ request for comment all week.

According to Roberto Cholagh, who has spent 40 years at Titan Tool, the prolonged lockout has reshaped his plans. He had hoped to work two more years before retiring.

“It’s frustrating for most of us,” Cholagh said. “We’re hoping we can settle this either close agreement or negotiation. We just want to get it done and over with.”

Cholagh described the plant’s earlier years fondly, saying he once felt valued in his role. But he says the workplace changed under new management.

“It was awesome for many, many years,” he explained. “It’s not the same anymore with the new management.”

Still, he says the support from the community and other union members has helped sustain morale on the picket line.

Titan Tool and Die Unit Chairperson Randy St. Pierre says Thursday’s job action marked a turning point.

“Our spirits are uplifted now,” St. Pierre told CTV News on Friday, adding that Martinrea has since removed its tools from the facility.

St. Pierre says replacement workers from Futura who had been inside the plant are also being sent back.

“Now we’re not looking back anymore. We’re more looking forward,” he said.

The union says it hopes to meet with the company next week to negotiate some form of closure agreement that would include severance for the 27 remaining workers.

“With the third shift at Stellantis, that’s opened up a lot of openings,” St. Pierre said, adding the union will work to help members find employment elsewhere in the city if a return to Titan is no longer possible.

After 202 historic days of uncertainty on the picket line, workers say they are ready for resolution, whatever form it may take.

“It’s not something I’m proud of. But in the end, what I am proud of is that we kind of set history to the fact that we’re out here for a good cause, which was to protect Canadian work.” St. Pierre stated.

“I think that’s something, that’s a very good cause to have. And that was kind of the goal from the beginning is to protect, show other Canadians and other workers that you can stand up for Canadian work.”