Windsor YCLers Rally in Support of Locked-Out Reliance Workers

By YCLers in Windsor-Essex

Windsor-Essex YCL-LJC members came out in support and solidarity with Unifor Local 1999 and all locked-out HVAC workers at Reliance Home Comfort. Members and leaders across numerous labour locals in Windsor showed up to show support and participate in the speeches. Members on strike have blocked the entrances and exits, keeping them under their control. Windsor-Essex YCLers offered their support and helped hold the picket line.

Mac, a Local 1999 member at Reliance, spoke to the locked-out workers and their allies, stating “…When we were told we were going to stand on this front lawn and we were going to wait until some millionaire in some golden tower was going to tell us it was OK and to go back to work, we would not stand for that in Windsor — and we will not stand for that in Ontario. Until [a fair deal is made] these brothers and sisters are one day longer; one day stronger.” This was followed by a demand for Reliance CEO Sean O’Brien to come to Windsor and talk directly to the workers. The crowd responded with cheers, applause, and a loud chorus of “One day longer, one day stronger!”

A number of politicians and union local leaders also came out in response to the lock-out. David Cassidy, President of Unifor Local 444, representing Chrysler assembly workers and Windsor casino workers, also attended the rally, saying “Let me be clear, if you are fighting one of us in Windsor-Essex, you are fighting all of us.”

John D’Agnolo, President of Unifor Local 200, echoed his experiences from the recent Nemak auto-worker shut-out, explaining, “A company like this that’s making billions of dollars is no different than Nemak, locking you out. These corporations today don’t care… We’re going to fight like hell, we’re not going to stop, and we’re going to have your backs every damn second.”

Emil Nabbout, President of Unifor Local 195, pledged solidarity and stated, “Local 195 is well known to stand beside workers across the province, and we will be fighting… we will make sure you get what you deserve.”

The Windsor-Essex club of the Young Communist League continues to express its support and solidarity with all locked out workers. We demand an end to tiered wages in favour of equal pay for equal labour, expanding paid sick days, and Employment Insurance reform.