Irvin Shutdown Hurts Fort Erie

Irvin Shutdown Hurts Fort Erie

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release, July 13, 2001

FORT ERIE – “The refusal of Irvin Aerospace Canada to negotiate in good faith will hurt families in Fort Erie,” said Colin Cherry, IAMAW Grand Lodge Representative. “The company is shutting down its operations and shutting out its loyal employees”, he added. Irvin has refused to negotiate a decent closure package with its employees, most of whom are near retirement age.

“In a town the size of Fort Erie, putting over 100 people out of work has huge ramifications,” said Cherry. ”The spin-off effect of 100 families losing their living affects the whole community. From the grocery store to the gas station to the coffee shop: everyone gets affected. 90% of our workforce is female, the average length of service is 15 years and the average age is 45. In the last five years or so, we have seen 8 major industries close their doors and leave the community – Fort Erie has been devastated,” he added.

Last year, Irvin Aerospace a parachute manufacturer, experienced it biggest and best year of profitability ever. Today, they refuse to allow their employees a fair closure agreement. Irvin’s management team have all received a golden parachute, while the employees receive a lead balloon. It’s plain to see that they don’t care about people who have given 15 or 20 years of their lives in loyal service.

Irvin Aerospace, doing business in Fort Erie for 76 years, is shutting down its facility due to a corporate buyout. The international Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), has represented workers at Local 989 for almost half a century.

The IAMAW is Canada’s largest aerospace union, representing more than 50,000 workers across Canada.

-30-

SOURCE: Colin Cherry (416) 579-0553 (Cell)

Press Releases 2001

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Irvin Shutdown Hurts Fort Erie
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Release, July 13, 2001 FORT ERIE – “The refusal of Irvin Aerospace Canada to negotiate in good faith will hurt families in Fort Erie,” said Colin Cherry, IAMAW Grand Lodge Representative. “The company is shutting down its operations and shutting out its loyal employees”, he added. Irvin has refused to negotiate a decent closure package with its employees, most of whom are near retirement age. “In a town the size of Fort Erie, putting over 100 people out of work has huge ramifications,” said Cherry. ”The spin-off effect of 100 families losing their living affects the whole community. From the grocery store to the gas station to the coffee shop: everyone gets affected. 90% of our workforce is female, the average length of service is 15 years and the average age is 45. In the last five years or so, we have seen 8 major industries close their doors and leave the community – Fort Erie has been devastated,” he added. Last year, Irvin Aerospace a parachute manufacturer, experienced it biggest and best year of profitability ever. Today, they refuse to allow their employees a fair closure agreement. Irvin’s management team have all received a golden parachute, while the employees receive a lead balloon. It’s plain to see that they don’t care about people who have given 15 or 20 years of their lives in loyal service. Irvin Aerospace, doing business in Fort Erie for 76 years, is shutting down its facility due to a corporate buyout. The international Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), has represented workers at Local 989 for almost half a century. The IAMAW is Canada’s largest aerospace union, representing more than 50,000 workers across Canada. -30- SOURCE: Colin Cherry (416) 579-0553 (Cell)
Press Releases 2001