THUNDER BAY -- Refusing to conduct business with a union is not a religious right in Ontario.
The Ontario Labour Relations Board has ruled in favour of Unifor in the peculiar case of a Northwestern Ontario cabinetry owner who closed shop after workers unionized, claiming it was against his religion to work with organized labour.
The Gingrich Woodcraft factory in Devlin near Fort Frances closed down in August when its 25-member staff voted to organize under Unifor. The company's owners cited biblical scripture and their need to 'live peaceably with all men' when it laid off all workers and permanently shuttered its operation five days later.
On Thursday, a labour board agreement signed by Gingrich Woodcraft president Leon Gingrich flatly states, "Gingrich Woodcraft Inc. agrees to a declaration from the Board that by closing the plant and permanently laying off all of its employees because they chose to be represented by a trade union, it has violated the Labour Relations Act, 1995."
Under the agreement, the company will pay its former employees 35 weeks wages at their regular rate and hours. It also expresses the company is in the process of being sold.
"I am pleased to announce we've negotiated a settlement that includes a settlement that includes significant monetary compensation package for the Ginggrich Woodcraft workers and ensures excellent prospects for their re-employment," reads a release from Unifor national president Jerry Dias, who represented the union before the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
The agreement goes on to say Gingrich Woodcraft is in negotiations to sell. When that happens, not only will Unifor maintain its status as the shop union but any future owner will be obliged to rehire the company's former workers. Unifor will continue to collectively represent them under new ownership.
