Employees at Satin Flooring set up a picket line in front of the company Dec. 7. Source: Teamsters Canada
Teamsters Local Union 847 says it has been in talks with the company for six months and that the company has been seeking to cut hourly wages from $19 to $16 and increase out-of-pocket payments for employee benefits by $200. Workers formed a picket line in front of the company after being locked out Dec. 7.
“The Union who represents our employees continues to publicly put forth its side of the dispute,” Satin Flooring said in a statement emailed to WFB. “Satin is very disappointed with the Union’s actions and the fact that it chose not to put forth the Satin offer to be voted on by our employees. Satin is saddened by being forced into a lockout position by the Union and will continue with negotiations in an attempt to end this work stoppage as soon as possible.”
The Union said it has suggested offering buyouts and compensation packages for workers as a way for the company to save money, but said the idea was turned down by Satin Flooring.
“We’ve been trying to negotiate in good faith for six months, to work with Satin Flooring and bring creative solutions to the table,” President of Teamsters Local Union 847 Fernanda Santos stated.
The company is also seeking to cut vacations and suspend pension contributions for three years, according to the Union.
UPDATE: This article was updated at 2:21 p.m. to include a statement from Satin Flooring.
