Jack Patterson / Ford Niagara Glass Plant Fonds, 1964-2006, n.d.
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Cameron, Chantal
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Abstract
Fonds contains material related to the Ford Niagara Glass Plant in Niagara Falls compiled by Jack Patterson. Patterson was an employee at the plant who became involved in a dispute with the CAW (Canadian Auto Workers) union after the closure of the Niagara Falls plant. Most of the material concerns this dispute, which was taken to a hearing before the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Some of the material concerns the Niagara Ford Glass Plant and its closure. Other general material about labour disputes and the CAW is also included.
Description
The Ford Motor Company of Canada opened a glass plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 1961. It was located in a rural area south of the Welland River and west of the QEW. The plant specialized in manufacturing windshields, lights and windows for Ford’s vehicles. Plate or sheet glass was purchased from outside vendors and then transformed into specialized products at the plant.
A major expansion to the plant was added in the early 1970s. Business fluctuated over the years, sometimes resulting in layoffs or expansions. The plant was noted for its safety record and productivity, but the Free Trade Agreement in 1988 led to layoffs. In early 1993 Ford announced that it would be permanently closing the plant. Many employees opted to retire or accept severance packages, while others continued their employment with Ford at the Oakville Assembly Plant. The Ford Niagara Glass plant was subsequently sold to E.S. Fox Ltd.
Jack Patterson was an employee at the Ford Niagara Glass plant. When it was announced in January 1993 that the plant would be closing, employees were presented with several options. One of these options was a job at the Ford Oakville Assembly Plant. Patterson decided to accept this offer with the assurance that his benefits would transfer with no break in seniority. In October 1998, he received written notice from the Ford Motor Company that in the event of a job loss, his eligibility for a special allowance would be based on his date of entry at the Oakville plant and not his date of entry with the Company. This was contrary to his understanding of seniority and benefits surrounding the transfer. Patterson pursued the matter with the CAW and the Ford Motor Company of Canada, which eventually resulted in a hearing before the Ontario Labour Relations Board.