D-J Composites looking to 'break' locked out workers with new concessions, says union

It's been 92 days since aerospace manufacturer D-J Composites locked out 34 of its employees at its plant in Gander, and now the union representing the workers says the company is asking for even more concessions.

What I suspect they're looking for here is to break our members, test their resolve and have them on their knees.- Lana Payne

The workers have been without a contract for nearly two years, and they say their lack of a living wage is one of the issues behind the lockout.

Lana Payne, the Atlantic regional director for Unifor, the union representing the workers, said D-J Composites agreed to the hiring of a labour consultant back in February, but didn't agree to return to talks until March — something she said shows the company is in no rush to get back to the table.

She told the Central Morning Show  the company is not only stalling, but is also disrespecting the bargaining process by now asking for wage cuts and what she called a "gutting of the seniority language" in the collective agreement.

"The company didn't merely come back to the table with what I would call their hard line on what were their earlier proposals, they actually tabled new concessions — which is extraordinary to see," Payne said.

"Anyone with any experience at a bargaining table knows that these are not the actions of an employer looking for a settlement ... What I suspect they're looking for here is to break our members, test their resolve and really have them on their knees."

Pressuring the company

Payne said locked out workers have had to deal with a harsh winter picketing outside, even had to rebuild their structures after recent wind storms.

She said Unifor will continue to work with governments and the public to try and put pressure on D-J Composites, but said it is hard to do because its headquarters is in Augusta, Kansas. She said it's also difficult because – as she sees it – the firm doesn't seem too concerned about its public image at this point.

"How do you get at them? Especially when they're tucked away in Agustus, Kansas," she said. How do you, and we, bring more attention to the dispute and the actions of the employer?"