BARGAINING UPDATE

Update on Bargaining, Arbitration, and Our Continued Fight for Fairness

August 8, 2025

To all Unifor Local 112 Members at Toromont Bradford,

First and foremost, we want to extend a profound thank you to each and every one of you. Since beginning this strike on July 8, 2025, you have demonstrated exceptional strength, unity, and resolve. Your continued solidarity is powerful, and it sends a clear message: we will not settle for less than fairness and respect.

We want to provide you with an important update.

The Union returned to the bargaining table with the company on July 23rd and 24th. Unfortunately, the company’s position remains largely unchanged—a slightly modified version of the same inadequate offer they made before walking away from negotiations on July 3rd. These changes still fail to meaningfully address the core issues that led us to this strike.

On July 24th, the Union suggested to the company that the wage issue be resolved through Voluntary Interest Arbitration. Our intent in providing this offer was clear: if the company agreed, workers could have immediately returned to the workplace while the arbitration process unfolded. The company refused. We believe this is because they know their offer will not withstand scrutiny—and that a neutral third party would see it for what it is: inadequate and unjustified.

As a result of the company’s refusal, on August 6th, the Union formally notified the company of our intent to apply to the Ontario Labour Relations Board for a direction that the collective agreement be settled by First Contract Arbitration through the Ministry of Labour. This process is designed to resolve first agreement disputes when bargaining fails.

As we move forward, the Union will continue its application for arbitration, and we believe this remains a viable and fair pathway toward achieving the contract you deserve.

In response to our application, the company—clearly rattled—filed for a Final Offer Vote with the Ministry of Labour. This is a one-time opportunity per bargaining round for an employer to force a supervised electronic vote on its last offer.

Let us be absolutely clear:

The offer to be presented is NOT supported by your elected Bargaining Committee, Unifor Local 112, or the National Union.

It is a four-year agreement that proposes subpar wage increases and fails to eliminate the damaging two-tier wage structure that keeps newer members permanently behind, with no path to fairness or equity.

If and when this vote is held, we urge every member to vote NO. Reject this attempt to divide and devalue us. Show Toromont that we stand together, and that we demand equal pay for equal work.

In addition to the arbitration process, the Union will continue to apply pressure through other avenues—including secondary picket lines at other Toromont branches and organizing campaigns at non-unionized locations. These actions are already having an impact. Together, we are sending a loud and clear message:

When workers stand together, we win.

Your Bargaining Committee, along with representatives from Local 112 and the National Union, will continue to be present and visible on the picket line.

Any questions you may have regarding the processes outlined above, please contact Dustin Philp at dphilp@unifor112.ca

Stay strong. Stay united. The fight is not over—but neither is our determination.

In solidarity,
Your Toromont Bradford Bargaining Committee
Unifor Local 112