At the Darling rendering plant in Dundas, Noel McEachnie is grateful for the difference his union makes.
Noel was among the workers who helped unionize the plant in 2022, led by now Union Representative James Flowers.
“Years ago, the workers used to be fired for the simplest mistakes and we didn’t have protection,” said Noel.
A series of company decisions left workers feeling like they had no voice or power to create any change – leading them to explore unionization as a solution.
“We needed a superhero and UFCW was just that for us,” Noel said.
The vote took place online through the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Noel remembers getting the text message with the news they succeeded.
“I was excited and I was in the unknown, wanting to know what the next step was,” he said. “After the vote, it just kept building and building and all we could see were the positives all around – from the way work is structured to our wages.”
Noel, who has been working at Darling for 10 years, said having a union is like a breath of fresh air.
“The union is life-changing,” he said. “Having a union gives me a sense of relief and we feel protected.”
As a union steward, Noel loves helping people with a variety of issues, such as reducing unfair discipline and ensuring workers get proper bereavement leave or floater days.
“It’s a privilege to be a union steward, and I love being someone who others can come and talk to.”
Noel credits the 1006A stewards’ training program for providing him with the knowledge and skills to be a good steward. He strongly recommends stewards take union training.
“Take as many courses as you can—that is the only way you will understand,” he said. “It enlightened me and showed me the way. Without reading a manual, you cannot fix anything.”
Noel is proud to be a UFCW steward.
“UFCW is a family to me and the union is only as strong as the members.”
