The union representing employees from National Auto Radiator in Windsor says workers were locked out as of 12:01 a.m. Thursday morning.
There are about 17 workers currently employed there. An additional 33 employees were on layoff.
CAW 195 president Gerry Farnham says the company informed the union that they were cutting off all benefits to over 200 retirees.
About 12 people were protesting outside the facility on Airport Road in Windsor.
Farnham says this is a slap in the face to all employees. He says this is possibly worse than what happened at Caterpillar, in terms of employees.
The employer was looking for about $12 an hour wage in cuts, says Farnham. A press operator makes about $26 an hour and a skilled trades worker makes $29 per hour.
Farnham says the company wanted them down to $18 an hour. Farnham says the offer was so ridiculous they would never consider accepting it. He says workers wanted to bargain and wanted to reach an agreement.
Attempts to reach the company have been unsucessful and McTague law firm, which represents National Auto Radiator, declined to comment at this time.
