Steelback Brewery faces charges at Labour Board following firing of union supporters

TIVERTON, ON, /CNW/ - The Service Employees International Union
(SEIU) filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Ontario Labour
Relations Board yesterday charging that Steelback Brewery had terminated the
employment of four union supporters in a bid to defeat a union drive.
Employees at the brewery began campaigning for a union on Friday
July 15th. Over the course of the weekend, an organizing committee consisting
of Steelback employees canvassed their co-workers and secured support for the
union from a majority of employees.
When members of the organizing committee reported to work on Monday,
July 18th, they were told they were being laid off. Later that day, the union
filed an application for certification and filed a complaint with the Ontario
Labour Relations Board. A vote on whether or not employees at the brewery wish
to be represented by the union is expected to be held early next week.
SEIU organizer Tom Galivan says, "This is union busting plain and simple.
Frank D'Angelo, the owner of Steelback Brewery, should be ashamed of himself.
We intend to pursue these charges vigorously and will make sure justice is
done."
Key issues prompting workers to organize include low wages, unpaid
overtime and poor health and safety in the plant.

SEIU Canada represents 94,000 workers in building services, healthcare,
gaming and breweries. SEIU has more than 1.8 million workers in North America
in every sector of the economy.



For further information: Media Contact: Tom Galivan, SEIU Canada Local
2.on, (905) 870-2709