Windsor's Titan Tool Workers Rally for Closure Agreement in Historic Lockout
In freezing temperatures, approximately three dozen Titan Tool & Die workers and their supporters gathered outside the company's Windsor facility on Friday, January 30, 2026. The rally marked the 174th day of a lockout that union leaders now describe as the longest labor dispute in Windsor's history, with no clear resolution in sight regarding the future of their jobs.
Workers Demand Dignity and Severance in Prolonged Dispute
The union representing the workers, Unifor Local 195, has accused the employer of deliberately avoiding a formal closure agreement that would provide severance pay and other benefits to long-serving employees. Roberto Cholagh, a tool-and-die maker with 40 years at the Windsor plant, expressed the frustration felt by many workers. "I'm here not for the money. It's for what we deserve, our dignity," Cholagh stated. "Either you close or you open. You've got to make up your mind. Because I can move on and find another job, but we need closure."
Cholagh, who had planned to retire after the next contract that was never negotiated, highlighted the uncertainty facing employees. "They keep playing this game. I don't know what they're up to. It's really sad," he added, capturing the emotional toll of the prolonged dispute.
Union Leaders Condemn Employer's Actions
Emile Nabbout, president of Unifor Local 195, was unequivocal in his criticism of Titan Tool & Die's approach. "This employer has no intention to settle this labour dispute," Nabbout declared during the rally. "They intend to continue harming the workers who've built wealth for them and their family, and it is shameful for them not to come to the table and settle this."
Nabbout emphasized that the union had met with the employer several weeks prior to inquire about the future of the Windsor facility but received no clarity. "We understand, if you don't want to run this business, don't run this business, but give the workers what they deserve. Don't leave them hanging like this ... This is disgraceful," he asserted.
Historical Context and Veteran Perspectives
The rally featured speeches from prominent labor figures, including Ken Lewenza, former National President of the Canadian Auto Workers union. Lewenza, who has been involved in the union movement for 50 years, told The Windsor Star that he believes the employer is trying to "avoid severance pay" for longtime employees.
"There hasn't been a labour dispute like this in my lifetime," Lewenza remarked. "We're now into our fifth month of a lockout with no progress being made at all. So, this is a deliberate attack on workers, and the employer has taken every advantage of this situation."
Background of the Lockout and Company Operations
The remaining 27 workers have been locked out since August 11, following the expiration of their collective agreement. Titan Tool & Die, which manufactures custom stamping tools used to shape vehicles, has faced previous tensions with the union. Earlier this year, the company obtained a court injunction after Unifor members attempted to block the shipment of factory tools to Michigan ahead of impending auto tariffs.
Despite attempts by The Windsor Star to reach Titan Tool & Die Ltd. for comment on whether it plans to maintain operations in Windsor, the company did not respond. This silence has only deepened the uncertainty for workers who have dedicated decades to the facility, now left in limbo as the lockout approaches its 200th day without a clear path forward.
