Interview with Striking Highbury Canco Workers in Leamington
In this interview we speak with Scott Jackson, Chief Union Steward of the United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 175, that represents striking workers at Highbury Canco in Leamington, Ontario. Workers have been on strike since February 13, 2023. Highbury Canco runs a co-packing operation in the facility that Heinz had operated in Leamington for over 100 years before shutting the operation down in 2014. Highbury Canco re-opened the operations shortly after Heinz closed, with workers re-applying for their jobs at a $9 per hour wage decrease. The company now processes sauces, soups, beans and vinegar for a variety of companies, including Heinz. It is considered one of the top co-packing operations in North America. The workers have gone on strike to obtain the wage increases they require.