A spokesperson for the union that represents employees at the Quinte West Nestle plant says workers were blindsided by last week’s news that the facility would be closing next year.
Nestle said last week it plans to close the Trenton plant in mid-2022 after almost 50 years, leaving close to 200 employees out of work, including 170 who are members of the Labourers International Union of North America Local 3000.
LiUNA Local 3000 spokesperson James Roddy says the closure will be devastating for workers, their families and the community, adding that Nestle’s decision to shift production to the US isn’t sitting well.
“It just seems to say ‘profits over people responsible for those profits’. You have a lot of individuals that gave many good years to that factory and were very dedicated, very loyal. It’s just unfortunate to see that the loyalty isn’t reciprocated.”
He added that the union is already working to support its members, who were blindsided by news of the closure.
“The union is prepared to do the utmost for our members with retraining, going back to school, providing financial advisors as well and we’re also looking at negotiating the best possible closure agreement with Nestle.”
Roddy says the union is also hoping to put some pressure on Nestle to change its mind and is scheduling meetings with local MP Neil Ellis and MPP Todd Smith, to see how they may be able to help.
You can read the full release from the LiUNA Local 3000 below.
