Locked out D-J Composites workers block managers from entering offices
Workers locked out for 109 days say blocking managers necessary to get company's attention
Workers blocked 16 managers from entering the offices of aerospace manufacturer D-J Composites in Gander Friday, more than 100 days after the company locked out the 32employees.
The workers have been without a contract for nearly two years, and say their lack of a living wage is one of the issues behind the lockout.
Friday morning, the workers extended their action to stopping managers from entering the offices at the site, saying the actionis necessary to finally get the American-based company to listen to their concerns.
RCMPwere called to the site and spoke to workers, but workers told CBC that wasn't going to deter them from continuing the blockade.
Locked out workers at DJ Composites have locked out the managers this morning. @CBCNL pic.twitter.com/Czd3yLrAbV
—@MelissaTobin
By 9:45 a.m., managers had agreed to go home, something the Unifor members calleda win.
"They came up and waited around and we stoodstrong in line, hand in hand," said IgnatiousOram, plant chairwith the union.
"It was a small victory today, and our message was loud and clear."
Managers left peacefully and Unifor workers celebrate a win for today @CBCNL pic.twitter.com/SED8IUWdiO
—@MelissaTobin
Unifor, the union representing the locked out employees, had previously said D-J Composites was trying to break the union by delaying talks and tabling new concessions.
The workers have been locked out of the facility since December, making Friday the 109th day of the lockout.
The RCMP have arrived, taking with union workers to try & resolve this blockade. If managers don't get in, charges could be laid @CBCNL pic.twitter.com/GP50OQ8vOT
—@MelissaTobin
Unifor local 597 member Josephine Randell has worked at DJ Composites for 15 years & says these 109 days of lockout have been tough @CBCNL pic.twitter.com/euCNHSu2ad
—@MelissaTobin
Workers say they'll be here all weekend, as managers decide whether to cross @CBCNL pic.twitter.com/f6tUKN1UXl
—@MelissaTobin
With files from Melissa Tobin