TORONTO - For employees terminated by Gingrich Woodcraft in August, "a significant settlement was reached at the Ontario Labour Relations Board" October 1, according to Unifor, the union representing the group. The custom cabinetry components manufacturer in Devlin, Ontario was closed by its owners in August when workers at the factory voted to unionize and join Unifor. President Leon Gingrich claimed his Mennonite religious beliefs precluded him from working with a union.
ARTICLE Gingrich Woodcraft Closes After Employees Unionize "As Christian business owners, our personal beliefs will not allow our conscience the freedom to work with a labour union." - Leon Gingrich. | 
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"We've negotiated a settlement that includes a significant monetary compensation package for the Gingrich Woodcraft workers, and ensures excellent prospects for their reemployment," said Jerry Dias, Unifor's National President.
Unifor says that the Labour Board will issue a declaration that Gingrich Woodcraft's actions violated the Ontario Labour Relations Act.
"This decision makes it very clear that the rights of workers to join a union are paramount," Dias said. Unifor, which represents forest products employees in paper, lumber and wood products as well as other industrial markets, is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers.
ARTICLE Wood Machinery Expo Exhibitors Offer Free Invites Woodworkers can be the guest of exhibitors at the WMS 2015 wood machinery and supply exposition. The Toronto show, running Nov. 5-7 at the International Centre, is accompanied by promotional invitations by a number of industry suppliers. | 
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