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Workers at Flex-N-Gate Seeburn in Beaverton, Ontario are new members of Unifor. More than 100 employees at the independent auto parts supplier voted to join the union after a launching a campaign in June.
“We’re seeing more and more auto parts workers who want the benefits, resources, and protection unionization provides, this vote to form a union at Flex-N-Gate Seeburn is just the latest example,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “I am proud of our newest auto parts members at the Beaverton plant for working so hard, showing incredible determination and courage to win this incredible victory.”
The successful vote to unionize at Flex-N-Gate Seeburn marks the fourth auto parts plant in Ontario to join Unifor since 2023. Voting was held from August 21 to 22. Unifor also represents Local 195 members at the Flex-N-Gate plant in Windsor, Ontario.
The union previously organized workers at auto parts plants in London, Windsor and Tottenham, adding more than 1,600 members to the union’s membership. Unifor already represents approximately 17,000 auto parts workers in the sector at more than 100 facilities across Canada.
Workers at Flex-N-Gate Seeburn primarily manufacture door components for automakers. Roles at the plant include general labourers, shipping and receiving personnel, material handlers, and press operators, as well as Skilled Trades such as machinists, tool and die makers, millwrights, and electricians.
The plant’s workers were facing notably increasing pressures around wages failing to keep pace with inflation, insufficient retirement benefits, and an overall lack of a voice to raise their concerns with management.
Workers cited long hours and inadequate compensation as key reasons for seeking union representation as well as growing frustration with the inability to address health and safety concerns, unmanageable workloads and disrespect from supervisors and managers.
“Every auto parts worker deserves fair wages, a safe workplace, and respect on the job,” added Payne. “The workers at Flex-N-Gate Seeburn are making their voices heard, and Unifor is proud to stand with them.”
As preparations for the first round of contract negotiations get underway later this year, the vote to unionize at Flex-N-Gate Seeburn demonstrates continued momentum among auto parts workers across Canada to fight for their rights and secure their future.
