Windsor-Essex ironworkers gathered at the new Costco construction site on the city's east end on June 24, 2026, to protest the retailer's failure to hire local trades for the project. The demonstration, reported by Stefanie Masotti of CTV News Windsor, highlighted ongoing tensions between major retailers and local labor unions.
Protest Details
Ironworkers carrying signs and chanting slogans blocked the entrance to the site, demanding that Costco commit to using unionized local workers for the remainder of the build. The protest began early in the morning and continued into the afternoon, with organizers claiming that Costco had brought in non-local contractors, bypassing Windsor-Essex tradespeople.
Union Concerns
According to a spokesperson for the ironworkers' union, the protest was a response to Costco's refusal to sign a project labor agreement that would guarantee local hiring. 'We have skilled workers right here in Windsor who are ready and able to do this job,' the spokesperson said. 'It's unacceptable for a company of Costco's size to ignore our community.'
Costco's Response
Costco has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the protest. However, a site manager at the construction location declined to comment, referring inquiries to the company's corporate office. The new Costco store, part of a larger retail development, is expected to create hundreds of jobs once operational, but the construction phase has become a flashpoint for labor disputes.
Local Impact
The protest underscores broader issues in Windsor-Essex, where the construction industry has faced challenges from out-of-region contractors. Local officials have expressed support for the workers, with some calling for stronger municipal policies to ensure local hiring on major projects. The demonstration remained peaceful, with no arrests reported.
