Grand and Toy call centre says “yes” to Machinists Union

For immediate release
24 January, 2004

Toronto, ON - The 76 employees of Grand & Toy Limited in Toronto have said union “Machinists, Yes”.

They voted just before Christmas, but due to company challenges the votes weren't counted until Wednesday, January 21. Our new members, mostly women, work in a call center at Grand & Toys corporate headquarters in Toronto, processing orders for clients and retail outlets. Job security and a voice in the workplace are at the top of the list as to why they requested the IAM's assistance.

These workers deserve a good pat on the back for their courage and persistence in getting unionized in the face of a strong company campaign to keep union free.

Grand & Toy is the largest commercial supplier of office products in Canada, with 21 sales offices, 8 regional distribution centres and 75 retail locations.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) is the largest union in the aerospace and air transport sectors in North America. With a total of 700,000 members, the IAM is present in all sectors of activity. Our members are also present in manufacturing, at the municipal level, the Canadian Mint, the Toronto Transit Commission and many others.